Attacks by the Houthis on seafarers and commercial ships transiting the Red Sea was condemned by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization, which met at the IMO HQ recently.
“IMO Member States are unequivocal in their condemnation of these reckless attacks. The maritime industry sustains the supply chains that are the lifeline of nations and populations around the world – innocent seafarers and commercial ships trading essential supplies should be free to navigate, unhindered by geopolitical tensions. Once again I would like to call on all governments and relevant organizations… to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected, and to spare no effort in finding a resolution to this crisis,” the IMO Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, said in a speech closing the Committee.
The IMO resolution on the security situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden deplored and condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the illegal and unjustifiable attacks that threatened the safety and welfare of seafarers and the marine environment.
The resolution demanded that the Houthis immediately cease attacking commercial ships and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew; the Galaxy Leader (IMO: 9237307) is a pure car and truck carrier operated by NYK Line that was hijacked in November 2023 and the crew were taken hostage near the Yemeni city of Hodeida. The Houthis seized the vessel in a sophisticated operation using commando-style tactics using a military-helicopter.
Between 19 November 2023 and 08 May 2024, the IMO had recorded 43 incidents, including acts of piracy, against international shipping. Of the 43 incidents, 7% were against general cargo ships, 2% were against ro-ro vessels, 30% were against tankers, 28% were against bulkers, and 33% were against box ships, the IMO has reported.
The IMO resolution emphasises that all Member States of the IMO should adhere to their obligations under the UN arms embargo and “take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply of arms and related materiel of all types to the Houthis, as called for in the United Nations Security Council resolution 2216”.
The resolution also called for ship operators and vessels to carefully asses the nature and unpredictability of recent events and the potential for continued attacks.
