Shipping Industry Calls for Action Following Major Vessel Sinking by Islamic Terrorists
The international shipping industry is calling for action following a series of violent attacks on cargo ships by Islamic terrorists linked to Iran. Recent incidents include the sinking of the M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek-owned cargo carrier in the Red Sea. This attack, executed with a drone boat and missiles, led to the vessel’s sinking and the death of a civilian crew member. Shipping and maritime associations have expressed outrage and condemnation over these attacks which violate international principles like freedom of navigation. The incident is part of a troubling pattern, as other attacks and captivities involving seafarers have occurred recently. These associations are urging influential states to intervene and de-escalate the situation, highlighting the critical need to protect seafarers whose work supports global supply chains. They implore the world to acknowledge the seafarers’ contributions, especially on the upcoming Day of The Seafarer. The statement is supported by various international maritime organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for protective actions against these unlawful attacks.
The international shipping industry is demanding action after Islamic terrorists backed by Iran sank another major vessel in the Red Sea in the last several days.
The Houthi’s attack last week on the M/V Tutor — a Liberian flagged, Greek-owned and operated bulk cargo carrier — featured the use of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) and missiles. The ship began to take on water immediately and eventually sank to the Red Sea’s bottom several days later.
Numerous shipping and maritime associations called for immediate action to be taken following the attack, which also resulted in the death of a civilian crew member.
The joint statement said:
The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.
Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed.
This is the second fatal attack in which our seafarers have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts. Three seafarers tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year. And we must not forget the crew members from the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries who are still being held captive.
Furthermore, we strongly condemn the attack on the cargo ship Verbena on Thursday 13 June which left a seafarer severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles.
This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. We call for States with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry.
We hope that on this year’s Day of The Seafarer on Tuesday 25 June the world takes a moment to recognise the immense contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and the unjust circumstances they are facing in the Red Sea and across the world.
The co-signatories to the statement included the Asian Shipowners’ Associations (ASA), BIMCO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA), INTERMANAGER, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA), International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).
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Video released on Wednesday showed the moment that the USV struck the rear of the ship which was followed up with a secondary hit on the side of the vessel and what appeared to be a third strike at the rear of the ship, according to the video.
The M/V Tutor is believed to be the second major shipping vessel that the Houthis have sunk over the past several months.
WATCH:
The Houthis via Al-Jazeera published documentation of two unmanned surface vehicles targeting the Greek-owned commercial vessel Tutor. pic.twitter.com/f70KgQ04YL
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) June 19, 2024
The day prior to the attack on the M/V Tutor, the Houthis hit the M/V Verbena — a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier — with two anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM), causing damage and fires aboard the ship.
The Houthis have been emboldened by President Joe Biden’s refusal to hold them accountable for their terrorist attacks by launching the type of strikes needed to deter further aggression.
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