SaveOurSeafarers has made adjustments to its campaign. The massive media interest in maritime piracy that has been generated and the 33,000 letters which website visitors have sent to their governments appear to have had the desired effect. Public and political awareness and interest in the piracy problem has soared around the world and numerous governments have responded very positively to calls for action. Massive resources have been poured into combating piracy.
These efforts from the industry, SOS member organisations and the naval forces have produced a dramatic reduction in attacks on shipping and as a consequence, the number of hostages being held is down to about a quarter of the number held two years ago – although every seafarer being held against their will by criminal extortionists is one too many.
Changing circumstances suggest that SOS website has some appropriate changes. Therefore, dispensing with the ‘letter to government’ feature of the website from December 20th 2012 as it has already done its job. SaveOurSeafarers expresses its gratitude to each and every one of you who sent a letter. Visitors will still able to register their support by adding names to the on-site list.
Nevertheless the fight against Somali piracy is by no means over and ship operators, the shipping industry and the naval forces are all maintaining their levels of watchfulness, and preparing and training for possible pirate attacks.
However, SaveOurSeafarers news, social media and video channels will stay live. It will continue to strive to meet all declared objectives. The industry will not rest until Somali piracy is defeated.
Source: SaveOurSeafarers
About SaveOurSeafarers:
SaveOurSeafarers is an international, not-for-profit, anti-piracy campaign which was launched in March 2011 by a group of five influential maritime associations. In the past year, the number of maritime associations, trade unions and P&I insurers supporting the campaign has risen to thirty-three; the largest number of maritime organisations ever to unite behind a single cause.
Piracy imperils seafarer’s lives and wellbeing and costs the industry billions each year. It cannot be allowed to escalate further. The campaign has succeeded in putting Somali piracy on the public and political agenda in numerous maritime nations during the past year
For more information, visit the official website http://www.saveourseafarers.com/
