Released on: 13 March 2026 Official Public Notice

The Eritrean Seaman Union’s Board of Directors is deeply concerned about the situation in the Gulf region and wants to show its support for the people living there. We hope that peace and stability will return to the area soon. The recent events in the Gulf waters have been very worrying and unpredictable, causing a lot of danger and uncertainty for everyone involved. Our thoughts are with all the people who have been affected by this situation. We wish for a swift return to calm and peace in the region.

Fig. 1. More than 300 ships are stranded. Image from the Internet Archive.

Right now, a lot of international seafarers, including people from Eritrea, are stuck in the Arabian Gulf in really bad conditions. The crews on offshore ships are in an even tougher spot: they can’t just move their ships to a safer place, so they’re more exposed to danger than other vessels that can change their route. Because many ports are closed and there are a lot of restrictions on operations, it’s become almost impossible to do normal crew rotations, which means a lot of crews are feeling isolated and are under a lot of pressure. This is a big problem because these crews are already working in fixed industrial areas, so they can’t just pick up and leave if things get bad. As a result, they’re facing a double burden: they’re stuck in one place, and they can’t easily get the help or support they need.

The Eritrean Seaman Union is worried that if the Gulf remains unstable for a long time, it could affect the Red Sea region, which is already on edge, and hurt the interests of countries that don’t have access to the sea. This could make things even more risky and increase the underlying tensions between different countries.

Instability around major maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, may extend to neighboring corridors, including the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, among the world’s most sensitive and critical shipping routes.

Figure 2. Offshore supply and support vessels face an elevated risk profile due to their complex operational demands, which include dynamic positioning, frequent interaction with offshore installations, and the handling of time-sensitive cargo in often harsh marine environments

In a context where access to key sea lines is already a matter of competing claims and strategic interests, further escalation could exacerbate these pressures, creating additional challenges for maritime security, disrupting global supply chains, and increasing the vulnerability of seafarers, coastal communities, and marine environments.

These developments underscore the urgent need for coordinated international action to prevent escalation and ensure safe navigation for all.

The Eritrean Seaman Union therefore calls on responsible authorities, vessel operators, and international organizations to:

We need to make sure that people who work on ships are safe and protected. This includes making sure they can switch crews safely and get off the ship if they need to.
• Safeguard maritime navigation and shipping routes in accordance with international maritime law.

• Maintain proactive measures to prevent escalation in high-risk maritime zones.

Figure 3. Strategic Maritime Chokepoints in the Indian Ocean -(Source: Internet Archive)

Keeping seafarers safe is crucial for the world’s maritime operations to run smoothly and securely. The Board of Directors will keep a close eye on what’s happening and fight for the safety, rights, and well-being of seafarers from Eritrea and other countries working in the Gulf and Red Sea. This is important because seafarers play a vital role in international trade and commerce, and their safety affects us all. By advocating for their rights and welfare, we can help prevent accidents, reduce risks, and promote a more stable and secure maritime environment. The Board of Directors is committed to supporting seafarers and their families, and to working with international partners to address the challenges they face.

The Eritrean Seaman Union remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with international maritime organizations and relevant authorities to uphold the safety, dignity, and protection of all seafarers operating in international waters.

On behalf of the board of Directors

Paulo Antonio Govanni

President

Eritrean Seaman Union