International Maritime Organization: 44 Seafarers Still Held by Somali Pirates and Others

On July 6, Xinhua News Agency reported from London (Reporter Gao Wencheng) that the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Kitack Lim, called on the international community to take urgent action to rescue the 44 seafarers who are still being held by Somali pirates and armed groups.

During the 137th session of the International Maritime Organization Council, Lim stated that these 44 seafarers are being held on three ships. These three ships were hijacked by pirates in the waters off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden between April and May of this year.

He said that the humanitarian situation for the detained crew members is dire, with severe shortages of food and drinking water, and they continue to face threats of violence. "These incidents once again demonstrate that the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery at sea to seafarers has not diminished, and the international community must remain highly vigilant and strengthen coordinated efforts."

Data from the International Maritime Organization shows that in the past three months, there have been 24 incidents of attempted or successful piracy and armed robbery in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with attackers using more dangerous weapons and escalating violence against seafarers.

Lim stated that the International Maritime Organization will continue to work closely with flag states, coastal countries, regional organizations, and the shipping industry to promote the safe release of seafarers and urge shipowners and operators to take necessary preventive measures, conducting comprehensive risk assessments before passing through high-risk waters.

The 137th session of the International Maritime Organization Council is being held in London from July 6 to 10, with important topics including the safety of maritime shipping routes, regional maritime security cooperation, and anti-piracy actions.