Governments insurers and the wider maritime sector have been urged to take action amid growing concerns over the health of the crews of three vessels hijacked off the coast of Somalia.

The plea came from the Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA), on behalf of the Signatory States, who voiced “profound concern” over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation aboard the Republic of Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25 ), whose seventeen (17) crew members have now endured more than two months in captivity following the vessel’s hijacking on 24 April 2026.

Metse Ralephenya, added there is equal concern for the crews of the SWARD and MV EUREKA  who continue to be held captive under similarly difficult circumstances. Their continued detention reinforces the urgent need for sustained international efforts to secure the release of all seafarers currently held hostage in the region.

“Against this backdrop, the latest direct communication from the Master of MT HONOUR 25 presents an alarming picture of the conditions facing the crew,” he explained. “While all 17 crew members remain alive, five crew members, including the Master, are now suffering from health problems. Food supplies have reportedly been reduced to rice alone, while the available water is unsafe for drinking. Even more disturbing are reports that armed pirates guarding the vessel recently exchanged gunfire with a rival pirate group that attempted to approach the ship, leaving the crew trapped between competing armed factions and exposed to an immediate and unpredictable threat to their lives.”

“The Master’s heartfelt appeal to the international community to ‘help us’ and to “ensure that those responsible take urgent action to secure the crew’s release” is a stark reminder that behind every piracy incident are innocent seafarers enduring fear, deprivation, uncertainty and prolonged psychological trauma.

Ralephenya has called for urgent, coordinated and decisive international intervention to secure the immediate, safe and unconditional release of the crews the three incidents. The humanitarian situation has now reached a critical stage, and any further delay significantly increases the risks to the lives, health and wellbeing of those being held hostage.

The DCoC/JA is a regional initiative implemented by IMO to combat piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

Signatory States are calling upon all parties capable of influencing the situation – including the Federal Government of Somalia, the flag State, the shipowner, insurers, humanitarian organizations, regional partners, and the wider international community – to intensify every available diplomatic, operational, humanitarian and legal effort to bring this crisis to a swift conclusion.

“These tragic incidents also serve as a stark reminder that the resurgence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden remains a serious threat to international shipping, regional stability and the safety of seafarers,” Ralephenya added. “While remarkable progress has been achieved through regional and international cooperation under the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, these recent attacks demonstrate that piracy has been suppressed—but not eradicated—and that continued vigilance and sustained international engagement remain essential.

“The Signatory States therefore reaffirm their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, information sharing, operational coordination and whole-of-government approaches to maritime security through the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment. They further call upon all Member States and maritime stakeholders to continue implementing relevant IMO instruments, including SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code, IMO guidance and Best Management Practices (BMP), while enhancing practical cooperation to prevent further attacks and protect seafarers operating in high-risk areas.

“The message from the Signatory States is unequivocal. The safety, dignity and welfare of seafarers are non-negotiable. Every available effort must now be directed towards securing the immediate release of the crew of MT HONOUR 25 and all other seafarers currently held hostage onboard SWARD and EUREKA. Equally important, those who regain their freedom must receive the care, rehabilitation and support necessary to recover from the profound trauma they have endured.”