Greek Seafarers Launch Nationwide Strike, Demand Evacuation Of Crews Stranded In Gulf Amid Iran Conflict

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Greek seafarers launched a 24-hour nationwide strike on Thursday, halting local ferry services to protest over vessel crews stranded in the Gulf as the Iran conflict intensifies.

Maritime unions demanded that the region be officially declared a war risk zone, which would allow seafarers to refuse sailing there and request repatriation.

The strike was organised by Greek maritime unions, which said seafarers working in high-risk waters are facing increasing danger.

Angelos Galanopoulos, head of Greece’s lower engine crews’ union Stephenson, said crews currently operating in the Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea should be evacuated immediately.

Union leaders said seafarers in the region face serious risks due to the escalating conflict and uncertainty over maritime safety.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the shipowners’ union office near the port of Piraeus, Greece’s largest port and a major global shipping hub.

Protesters spray-painted the message “No sacrifice for profits and wars” on the ground during the rally. A motorcycle convoy later headed toward the Greek shipping ministry to urge authorities and shipowners to take action.

Union representatives said both the government and shipowners must ensure the safety of crews operating in conflict zones.

Greece remains one of the most powerful forces in global shipping, controlling one of the world’s largest merchant fleets.

According to union data, more than 325 ships linked to Greek interests are currently operating across the wider Gulf region. These vessels carry crews that include dozens of Greek seafarers, along with multinational personnel.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) said it is concerned about the safety of around 20,000 seafarers working in the region.

The conflict involving Iran has already affected maritime traffic across the region.

At least nine ships have been damaged in strikes since the conflict began on Saturday, raising concerns among ship operators and crews. Although the Strait of Hormuz remains open, Iran has warned it could target ships attempting to pass through the waterway.

Ship-tracking data showed dozens of vessels anchored offshore near major Gulf producers, while many oil tankers remained inside the Strait.

Under maritime employment contracts, seafarers often have the right to refuse sailing in officially designated war-risk areas. If the area is declared a war zone, they can request repatriation at the shipowner’s expense.

Apostolis Kypraios, head of the marine engineers’ union PEMEN, said seafarers in the region face not only the risk of attacks but also possible shortages of food and supplies if the situation worsens.

Union leaders said families of seafarers are increasingly worried about their safety as tensions in the Middle East continue to rise.

Reference: Reuters

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