The Union for Danish Maritime Officers urged the international trade ogranizations to protect seafarers during sea rescues, in light of the Maersk Etienne incident.
Specifically, the union’s general secretary Sune Blinkenberg, commented that
The Maersk Etienne case is yet another example of how the seafarers are left behind when an international crisis causes a political deadlock. Seafarers are neutral in the geopolitical landscape and must be protected from situations like this.
He highlighted that seafarers are obliged to assise people in distress at sea, while reminding that failing to assist those in need may lead to prosecution according to national law.
The Maersk Etienne case leaves the shipmasters passing though the Mediterranean in a very tough situation.
Therefore, the Union urges the World Trade Organization and other global trade organisations to start looking ahead and change their policies to include emergency plans for keeping the workers in their global supply chains safe.
To remind, Maersk Etienne took care of three migrants that jumped overboard. The vessel rescued 27 people more than a month ago and remains in the Mediterranean awaiting a decision by governments on which port will allow their disembarkation.
