Updates from around the globe on the ITF’s work to build a fairer, safer and more just world for seafarers. Our news section covers issues affecting all seafarers, wherever they may be, and what we’re doing to improve seafarers’ lives and jobs, now and in the future.
News
Blumenthal ship detained for nine days in Belgium port finally released
“The proper maintenance of ships’ equipment is just as important as the proper treatment of seafarers - a failure in either system can lead to serious accidents.
Armed robberies in Indonesia and elsewhere
The latest reports of maritime crime to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) worldwide 24-hour Piracy Reporting centre (PRC) indicate a spike of incidents in Indonesian waters.
Mass drowning of migrants in the Mediterranean
Described by the United Nations refugee agency as “the deadliest shipwreck in the Mediterranean so far this year”, up to 150 migrants and refugees are feared drowned attempting to make the perilous
Concerns about safe passage for seafarers in the Gulf
Following the escalation of diplomatic tensions between Western countries and Iran, involving aggressive action against merchant shipping and Iran’s seizure of the British-flagged, Swedish-owned oi
Celebration of World Maritime Day leaves Australian seafarers out in the cold again
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has been accused of running a political and ideological agenda after excluding worker representatives from a forum aimed at increasing the number of
Social partners engage in dialogue over Strait of Hormuz
The discussions follow 10 weeks of increased aggression against merchant ships in the area, culminating with the seizure of the Stena Impero on 19 July.
More pirate attacks
Following the most recent report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) that the waters off West Africa remain the most dangerous hotspot for piracy and armed attacks on shipping, armed pirat
Charity resumes search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean
The international rescue charity SOS Méditerranée has announced that it is resuming its search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya.
Tanker crew detained as Gulf tensions escalate
The 23 crew members of a British-flagged oil tanker are being held by Iran after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized the Swedish-owned Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz.
Nautilus International and ITF call for urgent release of seized British oil tanker and crew
Nautilus International and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) today raised serious concerns over the seizure of British oil tanker Stena Impero
ITF calls on Sri Lankan government to release Ukrainian seafarer after three years of detention
“For over three years, Gennadiy Gavrylov has been stranded in Sri Lanka desperate to go home, while Sri Lankan authorities refuse to grant him permission to leave the country,” said ITF general sec
ITF and UAE step up cooperation
The ITF has continued its cooperation with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a high-level meeting in Dubai.