Protect Merchant Mariners from Piracy

An Open Letter to Governments, International Organizations, and the Maritime Industry

The attack on the M/V Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates has focused world attention both on the heroism of Captain Richard Phillips and his crew and on the vital contributions that the world’s merchant mariners make to global development and prosperity. The 1.2 million merchant mariners operating 100,000 merchant vessels deliver more than 90% of world trade to their markets and destinations.

Pirates threaten merchant mariners’ lives and liberties in Somalia and other parts of the world. In 2008 alone, at least 293 pirate attacks occurred world wide; 49 vessels were hijacked, 46 other vessels were fired upon, 889 seafarers were taken hostage, 32 seafarers suffered injuries, 11 seafarers were killed and 21 seafarers are missing and presumed dead. Since 2003 more than 1660 merchant mariners have been kidnapped or taken hostage, taking a severe toll on mariners and their families.

Piracy is an international crime against all humanity. Every nation may bring pirates to justice and all nations should cooperate in suppressing piracy. The community of nations and the maritime industry has risen to the challenge of attempting to eradicate the scourge of piracy. The International Maritime Organization has created guidelines and recommendations for governments and shipowners on preventing and suppressing piracy. The United Nations has adopted four Security Council Resolutions addressing piracy off Somalia. Naval forces from the European Union, NATO, United States, and several other countries now patrol piracy zones with coordinated efforts to protect threatened shipping lanes. The Maritime industry operates a piracy reporting center that provides real time alerts and guidance to merchant shipping on piracy.

While much needed work has been devoted to preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and bringing pirates to justice, piracy’s mariner victims deserve more attention. Little understanding of the long-term consequences of pirate attacks on seafarers and their families exists. Furthermore, few resources are devoted to caring for piracy victims. While some piracy victims receive counseling and aftercare, the effectiveness of the care is unknown, and no guidelines exist for shipowners on providing for seafarers victimized by piracy.