Renewed Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have drawn condemnation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as escalating security risks threaten a critical maritime corridor and raise concerns over further disruption to global trade routes.
The attacks resumed on July 22, with four vessels reportedly hit or affected during the latest wave of incidents. In particular, according to Windward, ENCELIA (IMO 9240172) was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia on July 22. LAYLA (IMO 9336098) is claimed to have been hit by the Houthis, but unconfirmed, and tracking has been offline since July 15, last seen entering Saudi waters near the Yemen border.
In addition, NCC MASA (IMO 9688336), a Saudi-owned oil products tanker of 183 meters carrying approximately 215,100 barrels of diesel according to Vortexa, was struck in the Red Sea on July 24, suffering minor hull damage. The vessel later reached its destination with all crew safe. The tanker had been dark since July 19, departing Yanbu around July 18.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the renewed attacks, describing them as “indefensible” and warning that they threaten seafarers, international shipping security, the marine environment and global supply chains.
He stressed that seafarers are civilians carrying out essential work and urged ship operators to conduct thorough risk assessments before transiting the region.
The IMO chief also renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of seafarers still being held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, saying their safety remains a responsibility under international law.
Continued attacks on shipping in this region risk escalating tensions, further disrupting commercial routes and undermining the principle of freedom of navigation
The IMO also expressed concern over potential pollution risks from recent incidents in the Red Sea and previous attacks in the Strait of Hormuz area, saying it would continue monitoring developments and provide assistance where required.
Meanwhile, The Nautical Institute has called on the maritime community to ensure seafarer safety and welfare remain a shared priority as vessels continue operating in regions affected by heightened tensions and rapidly changing security conditions.
The institute said many of its members are currently serving on vessels operating in areas of increased risk, including the Middle East and other regions affected by instability. It said it remains in contact with some members and is receiving first-hand accounts of changing conditions at sea.
Captain John Lloyd FNI, Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, said seafarers were facing conditions that differed significantly from the traditional trading environment, with crews exposed to constant uncertainty while operational demands remained unchanged.
“Uncertainty has unfortunately become part of their daily routine, affecting not only their safety, but also their wellbeing and mental health,” Lloyd said. “These are professional mariners carrying out essential work, and they must not be treated as invisible participants in wider geopolitical events.”
The Nautical Institute stressed that industry stakeholders, authorities and supporting organisations must work together to reduce risks, maintain safe passage and ensure crews receive adequate support both at sea and ashore.