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Delivering industry prompts UN to secure vessels after Iran seizure

Merchant ships and seafarers are significantly in danger at sea as attacks intensify in the Middle East and the United Nations should do more to protect supply chains, the industry said in a letter launched on Friday.

Tensions have actually soared throughout the Middle East given that the start of Israel's project 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 out on Thursday to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the world's leading shipping market associations stated Iran's seizure on April 13 of the MSC Aries container ship 50 nautical miles off the United Arab Emirates coast as soon as again highlighted the intolerable situation where shipping has ended up being a target.

Innocent seafarers have been killed, seafarers are being held hostage, the letter said.

The world would be outraged if 4 airliners were taken and imprisoned with innocent souls onboard. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be the very same response or issue (for ships an their team members).

An Indian lady who was a mariner on the MSC Aries returned to the nation, 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.

The industry letter said seafarers and the maritime sector are neutral and must not be politicised.

Given the constantly evolving and serious threat profile within the location, we contact you for improved co-ordinated military existence, objectives and patrols in the region, to secure our seafarers versus any additional possible aggression, the letter added.

U.N. officials did not right away react to an ask for remark.

Recent attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have likewise affected the international maritime transportation chain.

Iran has actually also seized other vessels in international waters over the last few years, increasing dangers for merchant shipping in the location.

(source: Reuters)