The
loss of life and injuries to civilian seafarers is completely unacceptable. Merchant vessels crewed by civilian seafarers
transporting global trade have a right to innocent passage through the region
without the threat of attack.
The frequency of attacks on merchant shipping
highlights the urgent need for all stakeholders to take decisive action to
safeguard the lives of innocent civilian seafarers and put an end to such
threats. Our heartfelt sympathies go out
to all those affected by this terrible event.