Leaders of the shipping industry have condemned the attacks on innocent seafarers and ships transiting the Red Sea in the wake of the attacks on the Tutor (IMO 9942627) and the Verbena (IMO 9522075),
Spare no effort
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “Once again, I am appalled at the fact that seafarers going about their work continue to be targeted and injured. I am truly saddened to learn that one crew member is currently unaccounted for on merchant vessel TUTOR, following an attack on the ship in the Red Sea. My thoughts and those of IMO, are with the family of the crew member. I strongly condemn any type of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause. I demand all governments and relevant organizations to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected, and to spare no effort in finding a resolution to this crisis. This situation cannot go on. Everybody is going to feel the negative effect if international shipping is not able to trade as normal. But our commitment is, above all, safeguarding the safety of all seafarers.”
Industry associations condemn
A coalition of international shipping industry associations released a statement condemning the attacks.
“We utterly condemn these assaults, which directly contravene the fundamental principle of navigation. Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed,” the statement reads.
“This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. We call for States with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry,” the statement reads.
The industry associations also remember the seafarers who tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year, and they also remember the crew members of the Galaxy Leader and the MSC Aries who are still being held captive.
Signatories to the international statement
The signatories to the statement comprised the Asian Shipowners’ Association; BIMCO (shipowners, charterers, shipbrokers and agents); Cruise Lines International Association; the European Community Shipowner’s Association; InterManager (association of ship managers); Intercargo (association of dry cargo ship operators); the International Association of Ports & Harbors; the International Federation of Shipmasters Associations; the International Maritime Employers’ Council; the International Maritime Pilots’ Association; the International Parcel Tankers Association; the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents; and the World Shipping Council (association on global container shipping companies).
Shipping Australia
Shipping Australia CEO Capt Melwyn Noronha commented: “this is an appalling and tragic loss of life. It is abhorrent that innocent seafarers are being attacked when they only working to earn a living to support their families. All parties with influence in this situation must maintain pressure to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea”.
