Page 129 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

HORIZON FROM THE BRIDGE

by Capt. George Georgoulis

nian forces at 50 nautical miles north-east of Fujairah, history, it has delivered trade in the face of the most
United Arab Emirates, at 06.37 UTC on Saturday, 13 overwhelming threats and circumstances. Given the
April, has once again highlighted the intolerable sit- continually evolving and severe threat profile within
uation where shipping has become a target. This is the area, we call on you for enhanced coordinated
unacceptable. We have seen a worrying increase in the military presence, missions, and patrols in the region
attacks on shipping. Shipping is not a target with no to protect our seafarers against any further possi-
victims. Innocent seafarers have been killed, and sea- ble aggression. The industry associations ask that
farers are being held hostage. This would be unaccept- all member states be formally reminded of their
able on land, and it is unacceptable at sea. The world responsibilities under international law. And we ask
would be outraged if four airliners were seized and that all efforts possible are brought to bear to release
held hostage with innocent souls onboard. Regret- the seafarers and protect the safe transit of ships”.
tably, there does not seem to be the same response According to the open letter from the shipping indus-
or concern for the four commercial vessels and their try, two main demands are presented. The first is the
crews being held hostage. Seafarers kept the world fed immediate release of the ship and its crew through
and warm during the pandemic with vital medicine, the mediation of the United Nations, and the second
food, and fuel delivered, irrespective of politics. Sea- is the support of shipping with an increase in military
farers and the maritime sector are neutral and must forces in such an important maritime area so as to
not be politicised. Protecting seafarers is a moral discourage merchant ship seizure incidents and con-
duty. Shipping is a resilient industry; throughout sequently the security of maritime trade.

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