Barran Press
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has called on all governments to "spare no effort" in finding a solution to the escalating tensions in the Red Sea, fueled by attacks on commercial vessels by the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis.
In statements reported by the website "Safety for Seas" seen by "Barran Press," Dominguez urged relevant organizations to provide maximum assistance to seafarers affected by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
He expressed alarm over the recent attack on the Liberian-flagged cargo ship "Totor," which was struck twice (from air and sea) in the Red Sea. He demanded the utmost assistance for the ship's crew.
"Once again, I am appalled by the fact that seafarers going about their work are still being targeted and injured," he said. "I strongly condemn any kind of attack against international shipping, regardless of its motivation or cause."
"I am truly saddened to learn that one crew member is still missing from the commercial vessel 'Tutor ' following an attack on the ship in the Red Sea," he added.
Dominguez noted that the incident occurred on June 12, 66 nautical miles southwest of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The bulk carrier "Totor" was hit twice (by air and sea) in its engine room, losing communication and rendering it unable to maneuver.
He pointed out that the crew was rescued and the ship was abandoned. "Unfortunately, one seafarer remains missing from the bulk carrier and may have lost his life," he said.
On June 12, the Houthis targeted the Greek-owned commercial vessel "Tutur" while it was sailing in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen.
The attack, according to a statement released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on its Twitter account and seen by "Barran Press," resulted in a serious water leak on board the ship, prompting the evacuation of its crew.
Since last November, the Houthis have been launching missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, leading to increased maritime insurance costs and prompting many shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In December 2023, the United States, Israel's main ally, formed a multinational coalition to protect maritime navigation from attacks by the designated terrorist group. Meanwhile, US forces have been carrying out strikes against Houthi military targets.