The Global Maritime Forum director of human sustainability, Susanne Justesen, has expressed her concern and support for the thousands of seafarers currently working under threat of attack in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
"As the conflict in the Middle East continues, maritime attacks across the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waters are raising growing concerns for seafarers and their wellbeing, as they once again find themselves at the center of the unfolding crisis. The civilian men and women working as seafarers in the conflict zone should not be military targets. Thousands of seafarers are currently stranded on their vessels because of the war, and they should not need to fear physical violence on top of the immense psychological pressure they are already under. "said Susanne Justesen.
According to reports, at least 16 ships have been struck since the war began. At least eight maritime workers have been killed, and an estimated 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded aboard their vessels in the area.
"Seafarers make global trade possible and deserve to be able to carry out their work safe from physical attacks and undue stress. We support the efforts of the maritime community to provide much-needed provisions and mental health support as they work to bring their crews to safety. " Justesen highlighted.
In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Justesen explained that the future of maritime depends on how the people who make global trade possible are treated. Prioritizing people and making safety and well-being the standard can truly change lives at sea and help create a maritime industry that is safe, attractive, and humanly sustainable.
Trapped amid the conflict
A recent report by Reuters has highlighted the growing challenges faced by seafarers operating in the Gulf region. One case involves a seafarer stranded for two weeks at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas while drones and missiles struck nearby vessels. The seafarer, who has been away from home for six months, expressed a strong desire to return to his family.
He is among roughly 23,000 Indian seafarers working on merchant, harbour and offshore vessels across the wider Gulf region, an area currently experiencing the impact of tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Hundreds of tankers and cargo ships remain waiting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, where recent Iranian attacks have reportedly killed three Indian crew members and left another missing. The situation of Indian sailors operating in and around the strait has become a significant concern in New Delhi, with authorities stating that coordination is underway with multiple agencies, including those in Iran, to ensure their safety.
“We know how dangerous it could be to sail without a navy escort or without permission,” the sailor said during a phone call from the ship, where he remains stranded with 15 other crew members among more than 50 vessels waiting nearby. The shipping company has released the crew from duty as they await safe passage, particularly as flights from Tehran are currently not operating. If clearance is granted to sail to another port in the Middle East or nearby region, the crew intends to disembark there and take the earliest available flight home, Reuters reports.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene an Extraordinary Session of its Council, on 18–19 March, to examine the impact of recent developments in the Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman and the Gulf region on international shipping and seafarers.
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Source : Safety4sea
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