The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and seafarers’ unions worldwide are calling for immediate action to protect seafarers in the Red Sea amid increasing ship attacks. The ITF has criticized the lack of action to prevent unnecessary deaths of seafarers, urging governments, shipping companies, and flag states to coordinate efforts to ensure seafarer safety and not solely rely on specific navies for protection. They also call for ships to be diverted to avoid dangerous areas.
The Iran-backed Houthis have recently carried out several drone and missile attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of crew members and sinking of ships. The ITF is advocating for the safe return of crew members from vessels captured by the Houthis and condemning recent attacks that have caused serious injuries and fatalities. They emphasize that seafarers are not commodities but vital to global supply chains, and their safety should be prioritized.
The ITF urges the international community to recognize the significant contributions of seafarers to the global economy and take immediate action to ensure their safety and justice. They stress that seafarers should not be put at risk for profit and should not have to work under constant threats of violence or harm. The call for protection and safety for seafarers is a top priority for the ITF and seafarers’ unions worldwide.
