The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and seafarers’ unions have demanded “immediate action” to ensure the safety of mariners in the Red Sea region.
ITF said this week that globally, unions “stand united in grief and outrage” following the recent attacks on ships that have led to the death and injury of seafarers.
“We demand immediate action to ensure the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea, action which to date, has been lacking and which could have prevented the unnecessary deaths of seafarers,” the ITF said.
This year alone, Houthi rebels have launched more than 60 attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, sinking two, seizing another and attacking dozens more.
Houthis attacked the MV Tutor, a Liberia-flagged carrier, with an unmanned surface vehicle and an anti-ship missile in the southern Red Sea on June 12. One crew member, who was trapped in the flooded engine room, was killed during the attack, and the remaining crew had to abandon the ship, which sank about a week later.
The maritime community also mourned the loss of three seafarers aboard the MV True Confidence, also attacked by Houthis, in March.
“We also continue to advocate for the safe return of crew members from the Galaxy Leader, attacked by Houthis in November 2023, and from the MSC Aries, seized by Iran in April, who remain unjustly held captive,” the ITF said.
“We condemn the recent Houthi attacks on the cargo ship MV Verbena, which resulted in a seafarer being severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles, and on the Transworld Navigator. While we appreciate expressions of solidarity and condemnation, words are not enough. The ITF demands urgent, concrete action to guarantee the safety and security of seafarers,” the federation said.
It called for governments to “step up and coordinate their efforts” to protect seafarers sailing in or through the area.
“Shipping companies must demonstrate their commitment to their seafarers by diverting their ships. Flag states, which are responsible for assuring a safe working environment for seafarers on their vessels, must instruct companies to divert their ships. Flag of convenience states must not rely solely on the United States, United Kingdom or European navies for protection,” the ITF said.
