ITF Seafarers’ Section Coordinator, Fabrizio Barcellona, said:
“This is a desperate situation with ten seafarers kidnapped, their crew mates threatened with execution, and their families pleading for help. We hope that these seafarers can be brought home as soon as possible – and that all relevant governments and international agencies do everything they can to ensure this happens.
“At the same time, it’s vital that governments take action to stop piracy from taking place. It’s well known that the Gulf of Guinea is a hotbed for piracy, and it would be reassuring if West African states reconfirmed their commitment to combat piracy through joint patrols and coordinated naval operations.
“Without this joined up action, we fear that piracy will increase – and it is innocent seafarers who will pay the price.”
ITF demands safe return of seafarers kidnapped in Gulf of Guinea and demands action against piracy
news
Press Release
ON THE GROUND
news
ICJ and IACtHR Advisory Opinions: labour rights must not be left behind
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) welcomes the recent Advisory Opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR), which
news
Press Release
ITF leads inaugural mental health and wellbeing training in the Philippines
Maritime teachers from across Philippines join new training programme agreed in February 2025 Mental health and wellbeing training for seafarers and cadets will be rolled out across the Philippines
news
Mexico City and ITF join forces to protect transport workers rights during 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the world’s biggest sporting event set to arrive next summer, the Government of Mexico City and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have signed a landmark cooperation agenda to