The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers being held captive amid a resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said in an emailed statement on Monday that the reported hijacking of the Seamull ship on August 20 brings the number of vessels held by pirates and armed robbers in the region to six.

"More than 90 innocent seafarers are now being held captive," Dominguez said, warning that their lives are subject to "constant uncertainty and threat."

The deteriorating maritime security situation in the region demands urgent attention, the Secretary-General added, as attacks or hijackings in a corridor this busy can disrupt crews, shipping schedules and the wider flow of trade through routes used by vessels moving between Europe, Asia and East Africa.

According to Dominguez, the captive crews face limited access to "adequate food, fresh water, medical support and other essential services," while their families endure an "unimaginable ordeal."

"I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive," Dominguez said. "No seafarer should face violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for doing their jobs and keeping global trade moving."

He called for urgent action to counter the resurgence of piracy, including stronger security preparedness and sustained international naval cooperation to protect merchant shipping and crews.

The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping. The Gulf of Aden forms part of one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, linking the Red Sea and the Suez Canal route with the Indian Ocean.

Source: Ship \u0026 Bunker