Unions demand immediate action to protect seafarers in the Red Sea

June 26, 2024

In view of the increasing number of ship attacks, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and seafarers’ unions around the world are calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea.

“We call for immediate action to ensure the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea – action that has so far been lacking and that could have prevented the unnecessary deaths of seafarers,” the ITF said in a statement on IMO’s World Seafarer’s Day.

The ITF is calling on governments, shipping companies and flag states to coordinate their efforts to protect seafarers and not to rely solely on specific navies. It is also calling for ships to be diverted to protect seafarers from danger.

“Governments must increase and coordinate their efforts to protect seafarers sailing in or through the area. Shipping companies must demonstrate their commitment to their seafarers by rerouting their vessels. Flag states, which are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for seafarers on their vessels, must instruct companies to rerouting their vessels. Flag of convenience states must not rely exclusively on the United States, United Kingdom or European navies for their protection,” the statement said.

Since November, the Iran-backed Houthis have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden, sinking two sailors and killing four.

One such attack on 12 June targeted the MV Tutor, a bulk carrier sailing under the Liberian flag, resulted in the death of a crew member and ultimately the sinking of the ship. In early March MV True Trust was also attacked, resulting in the death of three sailors.

The ITF continues to work for the safe return of crew members from the Galaxy Guidewhich was captured by the Houthis in November 2023, as well as the MSC Arieswhich was seized by Iran in April 2024. They also condemn the recent attacks on the cargo ship Verbena and that Transworld Navigatorwhich resulted in serious injuries.

“Seafarers are not commodities but the backbone of global supply chains,” the ITF said. “Their lives should not be put at risk for profit, nor should they be forced to carry out their duties under the constant threat of violence or harm.”

“We urge the international community to recognise the invaluable contribution seafarers make to the global economy and to take action now to ensure justice and safety for those who risk their lives at sea.”