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The International Maritime Organization called anew for a halt to shipping attacks
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This, after Houthi-controlled vessels attacked MV Delta Sounion while transiting the southern Red Sea on Aug 21
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IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez emphasized merchant ships carrying essential supplies should be able to navigate freely without threat of geopolitical conflict
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No casualties were reported among the crew, but the MV Delta Sounion lost engine power during the attack
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The crew, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, was safely evacuated to Djibouti on the Horn of Africa
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) called anew for a halt to shipping attacks after Houthi-controlled vessels attacked MV Delta Sounion while transiting the southern Red Sea on Aug 21.
“I continue to monitor the situation closely and reiterate my call for an immediate end to the illegal, cowardly and unjustifiable attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area. Merchant ships trading essential supplies and the seafarers serving on them should be free to navigate worldwide, unhindered by geopolitical tensions,” IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez said in a statement released on August 28.
Carrying around 150,000 tons of crude oil (approximately one million barrels), the MV Delta Sounion was targeted while transiting the southern Red Sea on August 21.
No casualties were reported among the crew, but the vessel lost engine power during the attack. The crew, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, was safely evacuated to Djibouti on the Horn of Africa.
“This is yet another unacceptable attack on international shipping, putting the lives of innocent seafarers at risk. I am grateful to all those involved in the rescue efforts for ensuring the seafarers have now all been safely evacuated,” said Dominguez.
However, the organization noted the risk of a significant oil spill remains high, posing a severe environmental threat to the region.
IMO also said it is in communication with national, regional, and United Nations entities, as well as other stakeholders, to provide technical assistance and address the safety, security, and environmental risks posed by the damaged vessel.
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