Freetown, 9th November 2026- The Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA), Yankuba Askia Bio, has urged the international community to strengthen cooperation and safeguards for seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters, warning that innocent maritime workers should not bear the consequences of geopolitical tensions.
Speaking at the 138th Session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, United Kingdom, from 2 to 6 November 2026, Bio highlighted growing security concerns along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and the Black Sea.
Addressing delegates during discussions on maritime security, the SLPHA Director General stressed that seafarers often find themselves on the frontlines of conflicts beyond their control.
“Innocent seafarers must never become victims of geopolitical conflicts beyond their control,” he stated, calling for coordinated international efforts to protect maritime personnel and ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade.
His remarks came against the backdrop of increasing threats to commercial shipping in strategic maritime corridors. During the meeting, the IMO Secretary-General reported that 25 seafarers had been killed or injured in recent incidents, while at least 130 verified attacks on commercial vessels had been recorded in the Strait of Hormuz region.
The disclosures underscored growing concerns within the global maritime industry over the safety of crews navigating high-risk waters, where escalating conflicts have heightened the dangers faced by merchant vessels and their personnel.
For Sierra Leone, SLPHA’s participation in the IMO Council meeting reflects the country’s continued engagement in international maritime affairs and its commitment to promoting safer and more secure shipping operations worldwide.
As global maritime trade remains vulnerable to security disruptions, Sierra Leone’s port authority says it will continue to support international initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime safety, protecting seafarers and strengthening cooperation among member states.
The IMO Council is one of the organization’s key governing bodies, bringing together maritime leaders and policymakers to address emerging challenges affecting international shipping and global trade.
