Red Sea attacks: Industry calls for the protection of innocent seafarers

Red Sea attacks: Industry calls for the protection of innocent seafarers
The Editorial Team July 10, 2025 https://safety4sea.com/red-sea-attacks-industry-calls-for-the-protection...

The maritime industry has responded to recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, calling for an end to violence and the protection of innocent seafarers.

At least three seafarers have been confirmed dead and two others seriously injured after Yemen’s Houthi militants launched attacks on the Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C in the Red Sea on 7 July, using at least four speedboats and two unmanned aerial vehicles. Moreover, on July 6, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas that was set ablaze in an attack in the Red Sea and abandoned by the crew who were subsequently rescued.

Industry Associatons ICS, BIMCO, European Shipowners | ECSA, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO, have joined with the IMO Secretary General’s in his denunciation of the attacks and have called on all stakeholders to uphold the safety and security of innocent civilian seafarers.

This tragedy illuminates the need for nations to maintain robust support in protecting shipping and vital sea lanes. We urge that the international standards of freedom of navigation and the sanctity of human life are recognised, upheld and defended … said the organizations in a joint statement.

Meanwhile, the World Shipping Council (WSC) has also condemned the recent deadly attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, calling them a shocking escalation in threats to maritime safety. In a statement, WSC President & CEO Joe Kramek and also emphasized the urgent need to protect seafarers, who are increasingly caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflict while carrying out essential global trade.

We cannot allow attacks on commercial ships to become normalized or weaponized as political tools. The safety of those at sea, and the freedoms and rights of navigation, must be protected. We support the IMO Secretary-General’s call for dialogue, to ensure the safety of seafarers … Joe Kramek highlighted.

The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation has also issued a condemnation of the recent deadly attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants on Greek-operated merchant vessels. The Federation denounced the assaults as deliberate and cowardly acts that have left four crew members dead and one seriously injured, while renewing urgent calls for stronger international action to protect seafarers operating in high-risk zones.

Furthermore, they called upon governments, international organizations, and shipping companies to immediately implement all necessary and appropriate measures to safeguard the lives and physical integrity of all seafarers serving on ships transiting the Red Sea and other high-risk areas.

We demand that the wider Red Sea region be officially designated a War Zone, and that immediate arrangements be made — at the responsibility and expense of the ship-owning companies — for the repatriation of any seafarers who do not wish to continue serving on vessels transiting this area. … said the Federation.