Distress calls from sailors stranded in the Gulf are on the rise as they face dangerous conditions due to the ongoing war in the region. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has received thousands of messages from ship crews requesting evacuation and food supplies, reflecting the critical situation they are enduring.
In one message sent by a sailor on March 24, he indicated that their ship was suffering from severe shortages of provisions and that one crew member's health was deteriorating, demanding immediate supplies of food and water. The federation reported that it has received over 1,000 messages from sailors trapped in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas since the conflict escalated following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Details of the Situation
Reports indicate that approximately 20,000 sailors are stranded in the Gulf waters, with 8 sailors or port workers having lost their lives in various incidents since February 28. Some sailors have sent videos documenting bombings near their ships, while others have requested assistance to leave the area.
Mohammed Al-Rashidi, coordinator of the ITF's Arab and Iranian network, described the situation as "extraordinary and shocking," noting that he receives calls from sailors late at night when they manage to connect to the internet. One sailor expressed his fears after experiencing bombardment, stating, "We don’t want to die, please help me."
Background & Context
The International Negotiation Forum, a global maritime labor body, has declared the region a "war zone," granting sailors exceptional rights such as relocation at the expense of operating companies and increased wages. However, many sailors, especially those working on ships not covered by these agreements, face difficulties returning to their home countries.
In another message, a sailor pointed out that the ship operator is ignoring the crew's requests to leave, citing a lack of flights from Iraq. He also expressed frustration at being forced to continue shipping operations despite the risks, reflecting the tragic situation they are in.
Impact & Consequences
The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reports a 15-20% increase in calls and messages since the war began, with one-third related to difficulties in returning home. Lucian Crasson, a member of the support team at the federation, stated that about 50% of the messages concern wage issues.
Many sailors choose to remain aboard their ships despite the dangerous conditions, as they cannot afford to leave. According to the federation, the low wages these sailors receive indicate that shipowners are not adhering to labor agreements that guarantee decent pay.
Regional Significance
The repercussions of this crisis extend beyond the stranded sailors, reflecting the deteriorating security situation in the region and its impact on maritime trade. The ongoing conflict in the Gulf threatens to create a larger humanitarian crisis, as many workers face inhumane conditions.
In conclusion, the fate of these sailors remains uncertain, with a lack of effective response from operating companies, necessitating urgent intervention from international organizations to protect their rights and ensure their safety.