Flag states should order shipping companies to divert vessels from the Red Sea to prevent further seafarer deaths, according to a union.
Houthi rebels have attacked more than 60 merchant ships in the Red Sea this year, killing four seafarers and leaving another seriously wounded from three direct hits, the International Transport Workers’ Federation said.
It said shipping companies and flag states — responsible for safe working environments for crew — must demonstrate their commitment to seafarers by diverting ships away from danger.
Flags of convenience should not rely on naval forces of the US, UK and European Union for protection, it said.
“Seafarers are not commodities but the backbone of the global supply chain,” the ITF said.
“Their lives should not be risked for profit, nor should they have to perform their duties under the constant threat of violence or harm.”
Shipping passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait is about one-third of the level from a year ago, according to IMF Portwatch data.
The Oxford University-backed research reported a seven-day moving average of 28 ships passing through the hotspot on 18 June compared with 78 a year earlier.
The biggest declines have been seen among container shipping, but 11 tankers and 15 cargo ships still passed through the area on that day, the data showed.
A report this month by the Pentagon suggested at least 65 countries had been affected by the attacks in a list that tallied flag, owner, operator, crew, departing port and destination data.
It said at least 29 major energy and shipping companies had altered their routes to avoid Houthi attacks.
But the head of the EU Red Sea mission, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, of Greece, said last week that 40 to 50 ships were daily going through the strait and that more naval vessels were needed to provide close protection. Four frigates are currently working on the $8.7m Aspides mission in the southern Red Sea.
The ITF said it was clear that many seafarers were doing their jobs in the face of grave danger.
“The ITF demands urgent, concrete action to guarantee the safety and security of seafarers,” the union said.
“Governments must step up and coordinate their efforts to protect seafarers sailing in or through the area.”
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