The world’s shipping community has issued a joint statement urging action after the death of another seafarer in an attack in the Red Sea.

“The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea,” it stated. “We utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.”

It comes after the MV Tutor, a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier was initially struck in the stern by an unmanned small craft on while underway in the Southern Red Sea. The vessel was later struck by a second time by “an unknown airborne projectile.”

The incident marked the first time Houthis had successfully used an unmanned surface vessel in their attacks. A day later the Houthis also hit the M/V Verbena with two missiles, causing fires and damage to the ship. The Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk carrier. One civilian mariner was severely injured and later evacuated for medical attention by aircraft from USS Philippine Sea.

“Our thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life,” the statement from the maritime industry added. “It is deplorable that innocent seafarers are being attacked while simply performing their jobs, vital jobs which keep the world warm, fed, and clothed.

“This is the second fatal attack in which our seafarers have been caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflicts. Three seafarers tragically lost their lives when the True Confidence was attacked earlier this year. And we must not forget the crew members from the Galaxy Leader and MSC Aries who are still being held captive.

“Furthermore, we strongly condemn the attack on the cargo ship Verbena on Thursday 13 June which left a seafarer severely injured by anti-ship cruise missiles.”

It concluded: “This is an unacceptable situation, and these attacks must stop now. We call for states with influence in the region to safeguard our innocent seafarers and for the swift de-escalation of the situation in the Red Sea. We have heard the condemnation and appreciate the words of support, but we urgently seek action to stop the unlawful attacks on these vital workers and this vital industry.

“We hope that on this year’s Day of The Seafarer on Tuesday 25 June the world takes a moment to recognise the immense contribution that seafarers make to the global economy and the unjust circumstances they are facing in the Red Sea and across the world.”