Turkish Shipowners' Association Issues Statement on the Attacks in the Black Sea
The Turkish Shipowners' Association (TAB) has issued a message of condolence for the seafarers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties amid the recent increase in attacks in the Black Sea.
The Turkish Shipowners' Association (TAB) has issued a statement regarding the recent increase in attacks in the Black Sea. TAB stated that it is following with deep sorrow the loss of seafarers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties as a result of these attacks.
In the statement, it was emphasized that seafarers, who perform their duties with great dedication to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of global trade, are the unsung heroes of international maritime commerce, regardless of their nationality, flag, or the companies they work for. It was stated that no seafarer should become a target of conflict while earning a living, and that no family should lose their loved ones because of attacks carried out while they are on duty.
The Turkish Shipowners' Association extended its condolences to all seafarers who lost their lives, their families, relatives, and the maritime community, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
TAB stated: "As the Turkish Shipowners' Association, we strongly condemn all attacks by both Russia and Ukraine that threaten the safety of civilian seafarers and target merchant vessels. The protection of merchant ships and seafarers in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and maritime law is an indispensable necessity not only for the maritime sector but also for the security and sustainability of global trade."
The statement continued: "In the face of these tragic incidents, we believe it is of great importance that the global maritime community, international maritime organizations, relevant international institutions, and all stakeholders take a united and strong stand by clearly condemning these attacks, and that concrete and effective measures to ensure the safety of merchant vessels and seafarers be implemented without delay. The seas should be a shared domain of trade, cooperation, and peace—not conflict. Merchant ships and the dedicated seafarers who operate them must be able to carry out their duties safely under all circumstances."
