LONDON - Merchant ships and seafarers are increasingly in peril at sea as attacks escalate in the Middle East and the United Nations must do more to protect supply chains, the industry said in a letter released on Friday.
Tensions have soared across the Middle East since the start of Israel's campaign in Gaza in October, with Israel or its ally the United States clashing repeatedly with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.In a letter sent on Thursday to U.N.
An Indian woman who was a mariner on the MSC Aries returned to the country, India's foreign ministry said on Thursday, adding it was in touch with the other 16 Indian crew members still being held aboard the vessel."Given the continually evolving and severe threat profile within the area, we call on you for enhanced co-ordinated military presence, missions and patrols in the region, to protect our seafarers against any further possible aggression," the letter added.
Iran has also seized other vessels in international waters in recent years, heightening risks for merchant shipping in the area.'A more sociable thing': St. John's business Tee Box Indoor Golf moves locations, adds mini-golf and bar area