Published: July 10, 2024
London – Liberia has issued a strong condemnation of the attacks on vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Cllr. Neto Lighe, made the condemnation at the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London.
Cllr. Lighe highlighted a recent attack on the Liberian-flagged vessel MV TUTOR. On June 12, 2024, the MV TUTOR was struck by an uncrewed surface vessel on its port side, followed by an unmanned aerial vehicle hitting its starboard side. These attacks resulted in flooding in the engine room, causing the vessel to lose power and eventually sink. Tragically, one crew member remains missing. Liberia extends its prayers and sympathies to the family and loved ones of the missing crew member.
Commissioner Lighe expressed gratitude to the French and U.S. navies for their timely rescue of the MV TUTOR’s crew. He emphasized Liberia’s call for an immediate end to these senseless attacks on vessels that facilitate international trade and commerce. Lighe voiced strong concerns about the continuous threats posed by Houthi rebels to international shipping, seafarers, and the marine environment. He stressed that vessels in innocent transit and hardworking seafarers should not be targets of such violence.
He urged all nations to condemn these unwarranted attacks and work together to ensure the safety and security of ships and seafarers. According to him, commitment and sacrifices of these individuals are vital to sustaining global maritime trade, which is essential for nations worldwide.
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