It has become evident that piracy at the Horn of Africa and in the wider area of the Indian Ocean has become a critical issue for international shipping.
Because of the lack of forceful measures by governing authorities and the international community as a whole, Iason Hellenic Shipping Co. Ltd has been forced to post armed guards on its managed vessels.
Today, other companies and seafarers are also making a joint effort to arouse public opinion in this urgent matter. Via the campaign SOS (SaveOurSeafarers) on the Internet, Intercargo, BIMCO and other initiators are hoping to get millions of people to sign the petition. The goal is to weigh on governments and decision-makers all over the world to do something.
"Although the shipping industry has made great progress with anti-piracy measures in the past few years, it’s believed that a number of seafarers are still being held hostage by armed gangs of Somali pirates, in appalling conditions and being subjected to physical and psychological abuse.
Their vessels have been hijacked at sea and they are being held to ransom. The human cost to these seafarers and their families is enormous.
Although incidences of maritime piracy from bases in Somalia are at a seven-year low, world trade is still under threat. Piracy costs the global economy almost US$30 billion a year (World Bank).

You can help to restore the freedom of the seas by adding your voice to our worldwide call for continued international government action regarding:
1. The continuation of robust law enforcement,
2. Tougher defences,
3. Firm political resolve,
4. Support for more courts and prisons in stable parts of Somalia and the region.
Together these measures have broken the grip of piracy.” SOS reports.
This is why we utterly support the SOS initiative by adding our voice and plead with you to go to www.saveourseafarers.org and make your voice heard too.