For the second time, sailors are paying with their lives for geopolitical conflicts. The Tutor has likely sunk with little chance of finding the missing sailor. This is the fourth sailor killed since the beginning of Houthi attacks, while crew members of the Galaxy Leader and the MSC Aries are still being held captive. Professional organizations are expressing their impatience.
The bulk carrier Tutor, attacked on June 12 off the coast of Yemen, 125 km from the Yemeni port of Hodeidah, held by the Houthi faction, has likely sunk, according to the British agency UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) which, along with the American Command Center (Centcom), provides reliable information on what is happening in the Red Sea. The military maritime forces deployed in the area report « maritime debris » and traces of hydrocarbons at the impact site. The vessel, recently built (2022), is believed to have sunk with its cargo of 80,000 tons of coal.
The ship’s crew, evacuated due to significant water ingress on June 14 by American and French forces, except for one, reported a serious fire in the engine room and « significant damage » as well as a missing crew member of Philippine nationality.
Owned by the Greek company Livenza Shipping and managed by Evalend Shipping, also based in Athens, the bulk carrier registered in Liberia was reportedly targeted due to a stopover in an Israeli port.
On June 13, a similar incident occurred involving the Verbena, a general cargo ship loaded with wooden construction materials, which caught fire after being targeted twice in one day. One of the crew members, seriously injured during the attack, was taken care of by the USS Philippine Sea to be transported to hospital services. The ship is believed to have sunk, though this has not been formally confirmed.
Second Fatal Attack
The Tutor is the second ship whose fatal sinking has been officially recognized after the Rubymar, which sank off the Yemeni port of Mokha on March 1 following two missile strikes. Before sinking, the bulk carrier loaded with 22,000 tons of ammonium phosphate-based fertilizer had spilled 200 tons of fuel and 80 tons of diesel, causing an oil spill over nearly 40 km. The aftermath of the incident sparked much controversy, with stakeholders blaming each other for the loss.
The death of the Tutor’s sailor is not the first. Three crew members on the bulk carrier True Confidence died on March 7 in the Gulf of Aden. An excessive toll but incredibly low compared to the hundred attacks recorded since mid-November.
In the last 24 hours, American forces have announced they destroyed eight drones belonging to Yemeni rebels.
Tense Calls from Ship Operators
« Once again, I am appalled that seafarers continue to be targeted and injured in the course of their duties, » reacted IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. « This situation cannot continue. Everyone will feel the negative effects of the inability of international maritime transport to operate normally. But our responsibility is, above all, to ensure the safety of all sailors. »
As they did in February to demand the release of the 25 sailors of the car carrier Galaxy Leader, held captive for 200 days by the Houthis, and to denounce the three deaths on the True Confidence, 14 major associations representing all sectors of maritime transport—Bimco, ECSA (European shipowners), ICS (International Chamber of Shipping), Intercargo (bulk carrier operators), InterManager, ASA, Clia (cruises), International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA), International Parcel Tankers Association (transport of hydrocarbons), World Shipping Council—have issued a new call to the international community.
To express their dismay. To lament another loss. To condemn these attacks that violate the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. And undoubtedly also to remind that just because trade continues does not mean the problem has disappeared.
« We have heard the condemnations and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently ask that measures be taken to end the illegal attacks on seafarers and this vital industry, » the joint statement asserts.
This call comes a few days before the Day of the Seafarer on Tuesday, June 25, which most states will undoubtedly mark with a tweet. Invisible due to their absence on land, sailors keep the global economy running while risking their lives. Once again.
A Chilling Method
The propaganda video broadcast by the Houthis on X confirms the account given by the 21 sailors evacuated from the bulk carrier Tutor on June 14. The attack was carried out using a fishing boat 5 to 7 meters long, with mannequins placed on it to disguise the threat. A second skiff was reportedly in the area to remotely control the explosive-laden pirate boat. After colliding with the bow, a fire broke out in the engine room. While the crew was still on board, after sending a distress signal, a second attack with drones occurred at 1 p.m.
Whether the Houthis triggered additional charges to hasten the sinking is still unresolved but is taken very seriously by the maritime forces deployed in the area.
Source: actu-transport-logistique
