The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), INTERCARGO, and INTERTANKO today issued a joint statement condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent civilian seafarers’ lives.
In recent days, two ships have been attacked in the vital waterway. One vessel has sunk, and another has sustained extensive damage. These attacks demonstrate a callous disregard for the lives of the civilian seafarers on board, leading to an inevitable and terrible consequence: seafarers have been killed.
“We stand united with the IMO Secretary-General in his strong denunciation of these horrific attacks,” the associations stated. “We call on all stakeholders to uphold the safety and security of innocent civilian seafarers as they navigate this critical waterway, transporting the food, goods, and energy that the world’s economy depends upon.”
This tragic escalation underscores the urgent need for nations to maintain robust support in protecting shipping and vital sea lanes. The associations collectively urge that the international standards of freedom of navigation and the sanctity of human life are recognized, upheld, and defended by all parties.
The shipping industry reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safe passage of global trade and calls for immediate and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the security of maritime operations in the Red Sea.
