When seafarers die, statements are not enough

AI Summary

A commentary piece highlights the systemic failure to protect seafarers during maritime crises, with merchant ships burning at sea and civilian crew members endangered while carrying global trade cargo. The piece calls for stronger protections and accountability for seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters. It underscores the human cost of geopolitical tensions on the maritime workforce.

Global trade depends on seafarers, yet when crises happen the system meant to protect them often fails. Sunil Kapoor reports. Ships are burning at sea — flames and thick dark smoke rising into the sky. Not warships. Not naval vessels. Ordinary merchant ships carrying cargo for the global economy, with civilian seafarers on board simply …