#seafarers

According to Eastleigh Voice, a mass evacuation operation has begun for stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, where 14 seafarers have been killed due to attacks on shipping since the onset of the emergency in the Middle East. The situation has worsened following Israeli-US bombing of Iran that started on February 28, leading to significant disruption in the waterway.

According to Captain Ladi Olubowale, the former President of the Shipowners Association, Nigerian seafarers are essential national assets that play a critical role in the country's economic growth. He emphasizes their importance in enhancing the maritime sector and contributing to overall development.

Mohamed Salum, the Director General of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), emphasized the significant role of seafarers in the national economy during a workshop in Kigoma. He noted that approximately 80% of goods entering the country are transported by sea, highlighting the importance of seafarers in facilitating trade. This statement was made in the context of the upcoming World Maritime Day celebrations.