Captain describes the Red Sea as a frightening experience for ship crews

The ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea area have raised concerns among ship crews. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attempting to board vessels or target them with missiles since November. Despite airstrikes led by the US and UK, the rebels have pledged to continue attacking this crucial global trade route. The safety of the crew is of utmost importance, according to Captain Chirag, who is currently on board a ship in the Gulf of Aden. He notes that the attacks have caused tremendous stress and fear among the crew and their families. The wellbeing of seafarers is considered paramount by Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO). He emphasizes that seafarers are the unsung heroes who make global trade possible and reminds people that they are innocent victims of this crisis. One ship, the Galaxy Leader, has been held by Houthi rebels, who have transformed it into a tourist attraction. Mr. Dominguez mentions ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure their release. The wider crisis is one of the biggest challenges the IMO has faced and is projected to have negative effects on global trade and potentially raise global inflation. Avoiding the Red Sea by taking the longer route around the south of Africa has led to higher shipping rates, increased crew pay, and skyrocketing war risk insurance premiums. This situation has caused delays in the transportation of goods and raw materials for companies like Danone, Michelin, and Ikea. Shipping giant Maersk has determined that sailing south of the Cape of Good Hope is the best solution for the time being due to the dangers present in the Red Sea region. Captain Chirag suggests that remotely controlled ships may offer a safer alternative in the future, but this technology is still years away. In the meantime, he and his crew navigate through the south of Africa, relying on weather reports and charts for safe navigation.