International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and seafarers’ union, on June 24, a day before the International Seafarers Day, called upon the international community to take action to ensure the safety and security of seafarers. Crew members have lost their life at sea due to the escalated attack on ships sailing in the Red Sea, drawing the world’s attention towards the same, ITF has requested immediate measures to protect the seafarers and sea routes.
Since November 2023, Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab Strait. In the same year, four crewmembers lost their lives while performing their duties. Subsequently, in March 2024, three crewmembers of vessel TRUE CONFIDENCE were killed in the attack, and later, the remaining crew was forced to evacuate the ship, saving their life.
Again, on June 12, Liberian registered bulk carrier TUTOR was attacked, causing massive damage to the vessel and resulting in the death of one crewmember. Another attack was reported on June 13, citing severe injuries to a crewmember of the general cargo vessel VERBENA. This week, on Sunday, June 23, Houthis, using an uncrewed aerial system (UAS), attacked the vessel TRANSWORLD NAVIGATOR, causing minor injuries to the crewmembers.
ITF expressed their grief over the recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Houthis militants. In the past six months, Iranian-backed Houthis have attacked sixty commercial vessels, sank two ships, seized another, and damaged many more ships in solidarity with Palestinians battling in the Israel-Hamas war.
The seafarers’ union ITF has called for the release of crewmembers of the vessel GALAXY LEADER, which was attacked in November 2023, and MSC ARIES, which was captivated by Iran in April 2024.
On June 25, International Maritime Organization (IMO) also called for the immediate release of GALAXY LEADER crewmembers who have been held for the past eight months.
ITF demands governments, shipping companies, and flag states take strong measures to protect seafarers and also asks for ships to be rerouted away from the danger zone area.
