A statement from the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) called for “decisive action” in the wake of the loss of life and injuries suffered by the crew of MV True Confidence in an attack in the Red Sea on 6 March, claimed by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The fatalities are the first resulting from attacks on commercial shipping in the area by Houthis, who claim the hostilities are in protest of Israel’s invasion and destruction of the Gaza Strip. Both the Houthis and Hamas, the group that launched the October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the current war, are Iran-backed militias.
“Industry Associations express their deep concern,” the March 7 statement reads. “The loss of life and injuries to civilian seafarers is completely unacceptable. Merchant vessels crewed by civilian seafarers transporting global trade have a right to innocent passage through the region without the threat of attack.”
One Vietnamese and two Filipino crew members died in the attack, and two others were seriously injured, according to The New York Times.
Read More: Three People Killed in Latest Vessel Attack Near Yemen’s Coast
In a call to action, the statement went on: “The frequency of attacks on merchant shipping highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the lives of innocent civilian seafarers and put an end to such threats. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by this terrible event.”
