The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has again renewed its call for collective action following the most recent attack on the "True Confidence" bulk carrier in the Red Sea region.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said it is "deeply saddening to follow the horrific reports of the casualties on the merchant vessel True Confidence, following an attack on the ship southwest of Aden, in Yemen."

"I extend my deepest condolences and those of the entire IMO family to the families of those who have lost their lives, and our thoughts are with those who have been injured. Innocent seafarers should never become collateral victims," he said in a video message.

The IMO chief also thanked the efforts of all ships in the area in assisting the vessel and particularly its crew.

"We all need to do more to protect seafarers," Dominguez added. "I once again call for collective action to fortify the safety of those who serve at sea."

He noted that international trade depends on international shipping, and international shipping cannot go on without seafarers.

Following the attack, all members of the UN Security Council also signed a statement condemning "in the strongest terms" the Houthi rebel group's attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

Houthi rebels have launched multiple attacks on commercial vessels since November. They sunk the bulker Rubymar, killed three crewmembers aboard the bulker True Confidence, and held the car carrier Galaxy Leader and its crew hostage for more than three months.

The UN Council then ramped up its call on all states to cooperate with a previously agreed arms embargo on the Houthis, which would prevent the rebels from importing equipment they could use to attack commercial vessels on the Red Sea.

However, while the attacks continue, about half of all Red Sea-Suez traffic has opted to reroute to the longer Cape of Good Hope area, while the remaining half of commercial vessels remain at risk in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, several industry associations condemned the recent attack on "True Confidence."

In a joint comment, BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, the Cruise Lines International Association, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, IMCA, the European Community Shipowners' Association, InterManager, OCIMF, and the World Shipping Council expressed their deep concern over the tragic loss of life and injuries suffered by the crew of MV True Confidence attack in the Red Sea on March 6.

"The loss of life and injuries to civilian seafarers is completely unacceptable. Merchant vessels crewed by civilian seafarers transporting global trade have a right to innocent passage through the region without the threat of attack," the statement said.

"The frequency of attacks on merchant shipping highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the lives of innocent civilian seafarers and put an end to such threats," the associations added.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by this terrible event," it said.