Constructive Dialogue' has been Called for by the IMO Secretary-General
Posted on Jul 11, 2025 at 11:07 PM
In response to a fresh round of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for increased diplomatic efforts.
Dominguez spoke to the IMO Council in London and voiced his alarm about the recent attacks on Eternity C and the Magic Seas, which were both targeted on July 6 and 7.
While all 22 members of the Magic Seas crew were safely rescued, the Eternity C has been reported to have at least three fatalities and multiple injuries.
A Joint Strategy for Maritime Safety
“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,” Dominguez, the secretary-general, stated. “Innocent seafarers and local populations are the main victims of these attacks and the pollution they cause.”
Moreover, he restated the IMO's resolve to involve all stakeholders who could aid in reducing such risks.
“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.”
The ISPS Code Course in LondonISPS Code Course in London focuses on maritime security management, covering threat identification, plan creation, security assessments, and authority coordination. It teaches participants to manage security plans, raise awareness, conduct assessments, and communicate during security incidents.
An Appeal for Unity During Emergencies
Several Member States responded by taking the floor to express their solidarity with the victims of the attacks. Mr. Victor Jiménez of Spain, who chairs the IMO Council, denounced the attacks and reaffirmed the Secretary-General's appeal for communication.
In addition, IMO data verified by flag states indicates that between November 2023 and October 2024, there were at least 69 attacks on international shipping that were connected to the region's larger geopolitical tensions. The incidents that occurred this week are the first since October.
In summary, this week marks the 134th session of the IMO Council, which will review the organisation's strategic plan, budget, and other administrative issues.
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