Seafarer missing after strike on Greek-managed bulker in the Strait of Hormuz

August 5 ------ A bulk carrier has been struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing in the latest serious security incident in the region.

The Liberia-flagged Minoan Pioneer, Greek-owned and under the commercial and technical management of Modion Maritime Management, was hit at approximately 22:00 UTC on 3 August while sailing about 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, adding that the relevant authorities are investigating. According to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the projectile struck the bulk carrier’s engine room, triggering a complete blackout. The impact also sparked a fire in the accommodation block.

As reported, a distress call from the Minoan Pioneer was received by the Panama-flagged tanker Surianame Prosperity, which was alerted to the emergency. Crew members were reported to be battling the blaze while requesting immediate assistance. The vessel’s third engineer remains missing. There has been no official confirmation on whether the fire has been fully extinguished or if the vessel has regained propulsion and is able to continue its voyage under its own power.

The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, issued a statement following the hit against the Greek-owned vessel condemning the attacks targeting merchant vessels operating in conflict-affected areas. "The incident has demonstrated that the measures implemented to date are insufficient to ensure safe navigation in the region. All attacks against commercial ships must cease immediately, and the lives, health and physical safety of seafarers serving onboard these vessels must be protected. We call on the Greek Government to take immediate, decisive and effective action towards this goal," said Capt. Tsikalakis, General Secretary of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation.

IFSMA: No seafarer should lose their life simply for doing their job

The International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations (IFSMA), which represents more than 16,000 serving shipmasters through its member associations worldwide, has expressed deep concern over the continuing loss of merchant seafarers’ lives in regions affected by armed conflict and has called for stronger protection of seafarers. "Merchant seafarers are civilians. They are not participants in armed conflict and must never become legitimate military targets. The loss of civilian seafarers’ lives must never be accepted as a cost of maintaining global trade," IFSMA stated.

IFSMA also stressed that international humanitarian law obliges all parties to distinguish between military objectives and civilian shipping. Merchant vessels and their crews are protected under international law, and maritime exclusion zones must never be treated as free-fire zones. In addition, the federation emphasized that seafarers have little or no influence over a vessel’s route, cargo or the commercial decisions that place them in conflict-affected areas.

As a result, they must be provided with accurate information on security risks and have the genuine right to refuse service in high-risk areas or be safely repatriated without facing dismissal, financial penalties or any other form of retaliation.

Where seafarers choose to serve in such areas, IFSMA said their decision must be based on informed consent and supported by appropriate security measures, insurance coverage and fair compensation. "Commercial considerations must never take precedence over human life. Shipowners must conduct robust risk assessments, while shipmasters must retain their overriding authority and responsibility to delay, divert or refuse a voyage where the safety of the ship or crew cannot be assured, without commercial or professional consequences," IFSMA highlighted.

Source: safety4sea.com