The global shipping sector stated in a letter released on Friday that with attacks in the Middle East intensifying, merchant ships and seafarers are becoming increasingly at danger at sea, and the UN needs to take more action to safeguard supply chains.

Since Israel began its war in Gaza in October, tensions have increased throughout the Middle East, with Israel and its partner the United States frequently at odds with forces affiliated with Iran in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.

The world’s top shipping trade associations said in a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday that Iran’s seizure of the container ship MSC Aries on April 13 at a distance of 50 nautical miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates “once again highlighted the intolerable situation where shipping has become a target”.

“Innocent seafarers have been killed, seafarers are being held hostage,” the letter said.

“The world would be outraged if four airliners were seized and held hostage with innocent souls onboard. Regrettably, there does not seem to be the same response or concern (for ships an their crew members).”

The foreign ministry of India announced on Thursday that an Indian lady who was a mariner on the MSC Aries had returned home and that it remained in contact with the other sixteen Indian crew members who were being detained on board the ship.

“Seafarers and the maritime sector are neutral and must not be politicised,” the letter form the industry organization stated.

“Given the continually evolving and severe threat profile within the area, we call on you for enhanced co-ordinated military presence, missions and patrols in the region, to protect our seafarers against any further possible aggression,” the letter added.

No comment on the letter sent to them was available from the U.N.

The Houthis of Yemen, who support Iran, have recently launched attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which has had tremendous impact on the world’s maritime transportation network.

The risks for commercial shipping in the region have increased as a result of Iran’s recent seizures of additional ships in international seas.

(Adapted from TheGlobeAndMail.com)