The International Maritime Transport Union Calls On The Houthis To Stop All Attacks In The Red Sea
SMA NEWS – LONDON
The International Transport Workers’ Federation called on the Houthis in Yemen to stop all attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, calm threats to shipping and release sailors still being held hostage.
Stephen Cotton, Secretary General of the International Maritime Union, said: “For too long, seafarers working in these waters have been forced to take unacceptable risks.”
He said the missile attack on the warship True Trust was perhaps the most painful reminder that promises alone do not protect lives. We need to ensure permanent calm now.
He called on the Houthi group to immediately cease all hostilities, release all currently detained crews and provide concrete guarantees that no other sailors will suffer the same fate. Until this happens, shipping companies and charterers must take every step possible to avoid endangering the lives of seafarers in this area.”
He said that the International Maritime Union remains deeply concerned about the Houthis’ continued detention of the crew of the ship Galaxy Leader, which was seized on November 19, 2023 – and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
