LONDON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on Wednesday condemned the attack on a cargo ship off the coast of Mocha, Yemen.
The Tanzania-flagged and Egyptian-owned TIHAMAH was struck near the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Tuesday. The Yemeni government reported the deaths of four crew members and two Yemeni rescuers, and 10 more were injured, according to Reuters.
"It is with sadness and regret to know that, once again, innocent seafarers have lost their lives in an indefensible attack on international shipping," said Dominguez in a statement.
Dominguez called on shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and other regions.
"Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security," said the statement.
Dominguez also urged the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is one of the world's key maritime chokepoints and a vital route for international trade and energy shipments. ■