MARGAO: Expressing deep concern over the recent surge in pirate attacks faced by seafarers, the Goan Seamen Association of India (Goa) is urgently calling on authorities to take concrete measures to protect the lives and interests of those navigating through the Malacca Strait and other vulnerable areas.
Frank Viegas, President of GSAI, emphasised the gravity of the situation, highlighting the increasing incidents of pirate attacks in the Malacca Strait—a vital shipping lane connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, located between Indonesia’s Sumatra Island and the Malaysia peninsula. The association questions the adequacy of existing security measures, stressing the need for immediate attention and appropriate action.
Viegas said that these pirate attacks not only result in substantial financial losses for the shipping industry but also pose serious threats to the safety and mental well-being of seafarers who become victims of piracy. The traumatic experiences faced by seafarers, including unlawful detention, physical assault, theft, and loss of life, call for enhanced compensation measures, with Viagas suggesting that compensation for loss of life should be at least three times the current norms.
In an earnest plea, GSAI is calling for swift intervention to prioritise the safety and security of seafarers. The association urges relevant authorities and stakeholders to conduct a thorough review of manning requirements and bolster patrolling efforts in the Malacca Strait.
