The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) called on Yemen’s Houthis to halt attacks all on commercial ships in the Red Sea, to de-escalate threats to shipping and release seafarers who continue to be held hostage.
On 19 January, the Houthis declared they would suspend attacks on non-Israeli vessels following the new Gaza ceasefire while maintaining threats to Israeli-owned or Israeli-flagged ships until all phases of the ceasefire agreement are implemented. Despite the announcement, the ITF remains concerned that the Houthis continue to detain the crew of the Galaxy Leader, seized on 19 November 2023 and the calls for their immediate, unconditional release.
We call on the Houthis to immediately end all hostilities, to release all crews currently being held captive and provide concrete guarantees that no other seafarer will suffer the same fate. Until that happens, shipping companies and charterers must take every possible step to avoid putting seafarers’ lives at risk in this region.
…the ITF said on their statement.
Furthermore, David Heindel, ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair and President of the Seafarers International Union (SIU), stated that the wellbeing of the seafarer hostages must remain a priority amid these evolving developments. Heindel continued by urging the Houthi leadership to take immediate steps toward the release of all captive seafarers.
Despite the Houthi statements, many in the industry warn that the Red Sea trade route remains too risky for the foreseeable future. The ITF urges shipping companies and charterers to divert vessels away from the danger zone until seafarers’ security can be assured.
