Maritime industry alerts of possible humanitarian disaster due to crews trapped onboard during pandemic

The International Chamber of Navigation (ICS), the International Federation of Transport Workers (ITF) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ICS) have sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, demanding that he convince member states to act urgently to avoid a “humanitarian crisis”. This is because more than 200,000 sailors are currently trapped on ships around the world and cannot be released from their duties.

The three organizations explain that “there are currently more than 200,000 seafarers onboard ships worldwide who have completed their contractual service period but have been prevented from returning to their homes.” They also warn that many of these professionals are experiencing “adverse effects on their mental health and a reduction in their ability to perform their duties safely in the face of increased fatigue”.

“In addition, restrictions imposed by many countries, including the disembarkation ban and access to essential medical care, are contributing to fatigue and exhaustion,” they state in the letter. “We are concerned about suicide and self-harm among this vulnerable population of workers,” they say.  Moreover, they state that “Time is running out. We ask that action be taken immediately, before June 16, the agreed deadline to implement changes to our maritime crew.”

The entities also highlighted the importance of the work that professionals in the maritime sector have been performing in order to serve the population during this crisis.

Source: El Vigia.com

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