IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez has expressed “dismay” over the recent “deplorable” attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
“After several months of calm, the resumption of deplorable attacks in the Red Sea constitutes a renewed violation of international law and freedom of navigation,” Secretary General Dominguez said. “Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks and the pollution they cause,” Secretary General Dominguez said of the attacks on, and subsequent sinkings of, the Magic Seas and the Eternity C on 6th and 7th of July this year. While all 22 crew aboard the Magic Seas were safely rescued, there were at least three deaths and several injuries have been reported in connection with the attack on the Eternity C.
Secretary-General Dominguez has called for intensified diplomatic efforts following a renewed wave of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. He reaffirmed the IMO’s commitment to engaging all parties who may help mitigate such threats. “I appeal to all of you to step up efforts, because the only way to address these geopolitical conflicts affecting the shipping sector is through constructive dialogue.”
In response, several Member States took the floor to voice statements of solidarity with those affected by the attacks. IMO Council Chair, Mr. Victor Jiménez (Spain), condemned the attacks and echoed the Secretary-General’s call for dialogue.
The World Shipping Council, which represents international liner shipping (container and ro-ro), condemned the attacks as “shocking” and “unacceptable”.
“What we’re seeing unfold in the Red Sea is shocking and unacceptable. Seafarers are being killed while simply doing their jobs,” WSC President & CEO Joe Kramek said today in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea over the past few days. The World Shipping Council extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who have been lost, and our thoughts are with all those affected. These are devastating, deeply felt losses for the global shipping community. We cannot allow attacks on commercial ships to become normalized or weaponized as political tools. The safety of those at sea, and the freedoms and rights of navigation, must be protected. We support the IMO Secretary-General’s call for dialogue, to ensure the safety of seafarers,” Mr Kramek concluded.
A consortium of international shipping associations consisting of BIMCO, the European Shipowners Association, INTERCARGO (dry bulk ship operators), INTERTANKO (liquid bulk ship operators i.e. tanker operators), and the International Chamber of Shipping released the following statement:
“In recent days, two ships have now been attacked in the Red Sea. One has sunk and the other has suffered extensive damage. These vessels have been attacked with callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers and as an inevitable but terrible consequence, seafarers have been killed.
“We join with the IMO Secretary General in his denunciation of the attacks and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the safety and security of innocent civilian seafarers as they pass through this vital waterway, carrying the food, goods and energy the world’s economy relies upon. This tragedy illuminates the need for nations to maintain robust support in protecting shipping and vital sea lanes. We urge that the international standards of freedom of navigation and the sanctity of human life are recognised, upheld, and defended”.
According to IMO data confirmed by flag States, there have been at least 69 attacks on international shipping, linked to broader geopolitical tensions in the region, were recorded between November 2023 and October 2024. This week’s incidents mark the first since October.
