In a joint statement, leading shipping industry groups have called for immediate action to halt the ongoing attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi armed group. The organisations, including the World Shipping Council, European Community Shipowners' Associations, and Asian Shipowners' Association, condemned the incidents as a violation of freedom of navigation and expressed concern for the safety of innocent seafarers.

The Houthi group has been launching attacks on shipping lanes in the region since November as part of an effort to support Palestinians and pressure Israel to end its war on Gaza. In response, the United States and its allies have carried out attacks on Houthi targets in Yemen since January. However, the Houthi group has vowed to continue targeting ships if Israel does not end its war on Gaza.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced on Tuesday that the Tutor, a Greek ship targeted by the Houthis last week, appears to have sunk. Unfortunately, one crew member is suspected to have been killed in the June 12 attack. The missing crew member and the sinking of the ship have further intensified concerns about the safety of seafarers.

The shipping industry groups expressed their deep concern over the attacks and stressed the importance of safeguarding innocent seafarers. They called on states with influence in the region to take immediate action to de-escalate the situation in the Red Sea and ensure the safety of those involved in maritime operations.

The Houthi group has launched a series of attacks on ships using drones, missiles, and explosive-laden boats. Initially, they targeted ships linked to Israel but later expanded their scope to include ships connected to the US and some of its allies. While most attacks have not resulted in casualties, a Barbados-flagged ship was targeted in March, resulting in the loss of three sailors' lives. In a recent attack on a Ukrainian-owned vessel, one crew member was severely injured, and the ship was set ablaze.

In addition to demanding an end to the attacks, the shipping industry groups also urged the release of the crew members of the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship seized by the Houthis in November. They emphasized the critical role played by seafarers in keeping the world warm, fed, and clothed and expressed their outrage that innocent individuals are being attacked while simply carrying out their essential duties.

As the attacks continue, the international community is faced with the urgent task of finding a resolution to ensure the safety and security of shipping in the Red Sea.