ITF Condemns Attack On MV True Confidence, Mourns Slain Seafarers

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) on Thursday , condemned the attack on MV True Confidence urging ship owners to divert ships around the Cape of Good Hope until safe transit through the Red Sea .

ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton disclosed this in a statement while expressed grief over the death of the seafarers.

According to him, act of senseless violence on the high seas is an affront for transport workers all over the world and a clear violation of international law.

He recalled that the federation had warned international community and the maritime industry about the escalating risks faced by seafarers in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

“The ITF condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack on the MV True Confidence, which claimed the lives of innocent seafarers and left others wounded.

“This act of senseless violence on the high seas is an affront transport workers all over the world and a clear violation of international law.

“Our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of the seafarers who lost their lives and were injured in this horrific attack. We stand in unwavering solidarity with them during this time of unimaginable grief and offer our unwavering support in navigating the aftermath of this tragedy.

“We have consistently warned the international community and the maritime industry about the escalating risks faced by seafarers in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

” Today, with profound sorrow, we see those warnings tragically confirmed. This attack serves as a starkest reminder of the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the lives of those who keep the global economy afloat.

“No delivery window is worth the loss of seafarers lives. We call on the industry to divert ships around the Cape of Good Hope until safe transit through the Red Sea can be guaranteed.” – ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton

The Barbados-flagged, Greek-managed bulker, reported that at least two crew members were killed and others were believed missing and badly burned after the vessel, MV True Confidence, was struck by a Houthi missile.

Coalition forces are reported to be supporting a search and rescue mission as the vessel was abandoned.