ITF : The safety of seafarers in the Red Sea

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and seafarers’ unions globally stand united in grief and outrage following attacks on shipping in the Red Sea that have killed and injured seafarers. We demand immediate action to ensure the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea, action which, to date, has been lacking and which could have prevented the unnecessary deaths of seafarers.

This year, Houthi rebels have launched over 60 attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, sinking two, seizing another, and attacking dozens more.

MV Tutor, a Liberia-flagged carrier

On 12 June, Houthis attacked the MV Tutor, a Liberia-flagged carrier, with an unmanned surface vehicle and an anti-ship missile in the southern Red Sea. This unprovoked attack tragically killed one crew member. The remaining crew had to abandon the ship, which sank about a week later.

In March, the maritime community mourned the loss of three seafarers aboard the MV True Confidence, also attacked by Houthis.

 A seafarer being severely injured

We also continue to advocate for the safe return of crew members from the Galaxy Leader, attacked by Houthis in November 2023, and from the MSC Aries, seized by Iran in April 2024, who remain unjustly held captive. Additionally, we condemn the recent Houthi attacks on the cargo ship MV Verbena, which resulted in a seafarer being severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles, and on the Transworld Navigator.

While we appreciate expressions of solidarity and condemnation, words are not enough. The ITF demands urgent, concrete action to guarantee the safety and security of seafarers.

Protect seafarers sailing

Governments must step up and coordinate their efforts to protect seafarers sailing in or through the area. Shipping companies must demonstrate their commitment to their seafarers by diverting their ships. Flag states, which are responsible for assuring a safe working environment for seafarers on their vessels, must instruct companies to divert their ships. Flag of Convenience states must not rely solely on United States, United Kingdom, or European navies for protection.

June 25 marks the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ‘Day of the Seafarer’, with this year’s theme being “Navigating the Future – Safety First”. Yet, it is clear that right now many seafarers are undertaking their critical jobs in the face of grave danger.

Seafarers are not commodities but the backbone of the global supply chain. Their lives should not be risked for profit, nor should they have to perform their duties under the constant threat of violence or harm.

We urge the international community to reflect on the invaluable contributions of seafarers to the global economy and to take action now to ensure justice, safety and security for those risking their lives at sea.

On the other hand , The Philippines is moving forward with steps to bar its seafarers from being aboard vessels transiting the Red Sea and sailing in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen.the Department of Migrant Workers detailed the steps it plans to take to expand its previous directives to the shipping industry to expand the safety protections for its citizens working aboard commercial ships in response to the latest escalations by the Houthi militants in Yemen.

Cacdac last month reported the department was considering bans on all Filipino seafarers working on vessels transiting the Red Sea. He told the briefing on Tuesday that it is a complex situation. They are conducting security and risk assessments with the industry and partners including the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. Filipinos make up one of the largest groups of seafarers working in the commercial industry.

Targeting the three shipping companies

As a first step, Cacdac announced that they would be targeting the three shipping companies that owned or managed the vessels, which includes Evalend Shipping of Greece which operated the Tutor. He did not specify how extensive the ban would be related to the Galaxy Leader, which is managed by Ray Car Carriers and has affiliations to Zodiac Maritime, the Eyal Ofer company based in the UK with extensive shipping interests. The True Confidence is owned in Greece and with its ISM management in Cyprus. Filipinos will be barred from sailing on any of these companies’ ships that are transiting in or near the Red Sea.

Bulkers Tutor sunk by the Houthi