A seafarer has died following an attack on the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Minoan Dignity, during an attack on the ship, according to international dry cargo shipping association INTERCARGO, which represents more than 500 companies.
“Behind every vessel caught up in conflict are seafarers – civilians carrying out their professional duties, far from their homes and families, who keep global trade moving. INTERCARGO reiterates its fundamental position: seafarers are civilians and must never become targets or collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts. We once again call on all parties to respect international law and to safeguard civilian seafarers and merchant vessels. The protection of human life at sea must remain above political and military considerations,” INTERCARGO said in a statement, offered condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer.
Fatalities aboard the Tihamah
Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization has expressed regret and and sadness following the projectile attack on the cargo ship, Tihamah, off the coast of Al Mokha, Yemen. Several seafarer fatalities have been confirmed.
Describing the event as an indefensible attack on international shipping, the Secretary General commented: “It is particularly troublesome that the most recent attack has taken place in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden area. I reiterate my call for shipowners and ship operators to thoroughly assess risks before transiting this and other regions and follow appropriate best management practices. Seafarers deserve to be protected and allowed to do their jobs in safety and security.
“These continued attacks on shipping only serve to escalate tensions and threaten global supply chains on which everyone depends.
“I also urge 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.
“Ensuring seafarer safety is a fundamental obligation under international law and a shared responsibility of the global community.”
UKMTO reported attacks in recent days
20 August – hijack of a cargo tanker off the coast of Yemen
19 August – attack on a cargo tanker off Al Mukha, Yemen (presumably the attack on the Tihamah, above)
19 August – projectile attack on a bulker transiting the Strait of Hormuz
18 August – attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz
17 August – hijack of a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia
15 August – bulk carrier struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz
14 August – tanker struck by an uncrewed aerial vessel while transiting (outbound) in the Strait of Hormuz
