Armed robbers and pirates continue to pose a threat to seafarers in many waters and ports. West Africa has been a particular hotspot, but incidents also take place in other regions.
The European Union (EU) has suspended its search-and-rescue sea patrols that have helped to rescue thousands of refugees and migrants attempting the dangerous Mediterranean crossing into European waters, often in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats.
The US Coast Guard has issued a new rule on seafarers’ access to maritime facilities. The move comes after a longstanding effort by the US Seafarers International Union (SIU) to improve access to shore leave and facilities.
The Australian authorities have detained a German-owned bulk carrier after the ITF raised the crew’s concerns about conditions on board.
The complaints from on board the Flag of Convenience (FoC) vessel berthed at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal were received by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on Monday 25 March and were immediately acted upon with an ITF Inspection conducted within two hours.
President Given’s visit comes on the heels of Canadian seafarers demonstrating solidarity with their Australian brothers and sisters.
In the latest attack on shipping off West Africa, reported by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) worldwide 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC), pirates kidnapped five crew members from an offshore supply vessel around 32 nautical miles off Brass, Nigeria on 9 March.
The United Kingdom authorities detained nine foreign-flagged vessels during January for breaches of safety and other deficiencies. Four of the vessels were new detentions.
The Panama Canal has the unenviable history of being the world’s deadliest construction project. Over 32 years, 30,609 workers died – more than the prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the Burma Railway.
The waters off West Africa continue to pose seafarers with threats of piracy and armed robbery. The most recent incidents reported to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) worldwide 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) indicate the dangers.
