The recent attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea have caused alarm across the global shipping industry. Within just a few days, the bulk carriers “Magic Seas” and “Eternity C” were attacked by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
The attacks were triggered by the ongoing war in Gaza. It is still unclear how many crew members managed to escape to safety. Several seafarers lost their lives in the attacks.
International associations condemn attacks
In a joint statement, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) condemned the attacks.
“These ships were attacked with cruel disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers, with the inevitable but horrific consequence that seafarers were killed.” The associations expressed their support for the IMO Secretary-General’s condemnation and called on all parties to guarantee the safety of seafarers.
“This tragedy underscores the need for states to continue to take robust measures to protect shipping and vital sea lanes,” the statement reads. The organizations urged that international principles, such as freedom of navigation and the protection of human life must be upheld consistently.
The World Shipping Council (WSC), the international association representing the interests of liner shipping companies, has also spoken out. WSC President Joe Kramek said: “What we are currently witnessing in the Red Sea is shocking and unacceptable. Seafarers are being killed while simply doing their jobs.” He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and warned: “We must not allow attacks on merchant ships to be normalized or misused as a political tool.”
IMO warns of escalation and calls for seafarer protection
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed his concern about the renewed attacks during the IMO Council meeting in London. He described them as a “new violation of international law and freedom of navigation” and emphasized: “Innocent seafarers and the local population are the main victims of these attacks and the resulting environmental pollution.”
Dominguez called on member states to intensify their efforts, highlighting that geopolitical conflicts in shipping can only be resolved through constructive dialogue.
The background to the escalation is the growing regional tension involving militant groups. According to IMO data, there were a total of 69 attacks on international shipping in the region between November 2023 and October 2024. The most recent incidents, recorded in recent days, mark the first attacks since October 2024.
Staged as a propaganda video: The planned demolition of the hijacked bulker “Magic Seas” in the Red Sea (© Houthis Media Office)
