IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominquez, is appalled at latest attack in the Red Sea and demands maximum assistance for seafarers.
Arsenio Dominguez released a statement on 14 June, 2024, saying “Once again, I am appalled at the fact that seafarers going about their work continue to be targeted and injured. I am truly saddened to learn that one crew member is currently unaccounted for on merchant vessel TUTOR, following an attack on the ship in the Red Sea.”
The incident took place on June 12, 66 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. According to international news sources, the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier TUTOR sustained a double hit (from air and sea) to its engine room, lost communication and was unable to maneuver. The crew members were rescued and the vessel was left abandoned. Unfortunately, one seafarer aboard the bulk carrier remains unaccounted for, having probably lost their life.
My thoughts and those of IMO, are with the family of the crew member. I strongly condemn any type of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause. I demand all governments and relevant organizations to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected, and to spare no effort in finding a resolution to this crisis.
… said the Secretary-General
A few days after the attack on Tudor, Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, announced that the group had launched ballistic missiles at the American destroyer, naval missiles at a ship named Captain Paris, and drones at a ship named Happy Condor.
The Houthi claimed six operations against merchant shipping. Four of those targeting attempts resulted in physical damage, marking a significant increase in effectiveness.
… commented security firm Ambrey on the situation
Meanwhile, earlier on Sunday June 16, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel, located 40 nautical miles south of Yemen’s al Mukha, had experienced two nearby explosions. The ship and its crew remained safe and continued their journey, although the vessel was not identified.
This situation cannot go on. Everybody is going to feel the negative effect if international shipping is not able to trade as normal. But our commitment is, above all, safeguarding the safety of all seafarers.
…concluded Dominguez
