International Day of the Seafarer 2024: Celebrating seafarers and remembering the ones lost

by The Editorial Team

 June 25, 2024

in Seafarers

Credit: Shutterstock

This year’s International Day of the Seafarer has arrived, and the entire maritime industry is celebrating its about two million seafarers who keep global markets functioning and supply chains going.

In a video message to seafarers, Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary-General, said: “Seafarers have been sorely tested in recent years – facing hostile acts from piracy or in conflict zones. I humbly acknowledge seafarers’ resilience and sacrifice in the name of work.”  Without seafarers there would be no shipping. And shipping is a lifeline for global trade. 

Seafarers are vital in ensuring a seamless flow of essential goods that eventually make it into markets, homes, and onto our tables… But their own lives have been put on the line in the face of grave threats. Let us together salute them for their essential work and support their safety. 

… said United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres 

Attacks on international shipping routes and acts of piracy are unacceptable. Ships and seafarers must not be held hostage and hijacked, Guterres noted. He also highlighted that seafarers should not be collateral victims in wider geopolitical conflicts.

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Geopolitical conflict in the Red Sea

IMO also touched on the subject of seafarers’ compromised security due to geopolitical conflict in the Red Sea area, saying in a statement that attacks against international shipping can never be justified. 

On this Day of the Seafarer, we pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving on ships attacked in the Red Sea. Attacks against international shipping can never be justified. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those deceased.  

… said the Organization in a statement

Number of innocent seafarers’ lives lost in Red Sea attacks

• MV True Confidence – Three lives lost
• MV Tutor – One life lost

IMO also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew, held for more than eight months. 

On this Day of the Seafarer, let us remember those who have lost their lives while simply doing their jobs, serving on these ships. Their dedication and sacrifice must not be overlooked. Attacks on the innocent can never be justified, and I will continue to advocate incessantly for the safety and well-being of seafarers. 

… said IMO Secretary-General 

#SafetyTipsAtSea 

To raise awareness about the safety of seafarers, an IMO social media campaign has been launched, focusing on safety at sea. 

Seafarers are invited to share photos and top tips for safety at sea, using the hashtag, #SafetyTipsAtSea on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram.