Ships remain docked across Greece on Wednesday as a nationwide 24-hour strike by seafarers halted maritime traffic in ports throughout the country.
The strike, organized by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), began at 12:01 a.m. and will continue until midnight. The union called the action to protest the situation of hundreds of sailors—both Greek and foreign nationals—who remain stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing war in the region.
In a statement, the federation described the situation as “serious and dangerous” for the seafarers still in the area.
Union officials also alleged that a shipping company, in coordination with the government, had been preparing to send a vessel into the conflict zone. The federation said it considers such a move unacceptable given the security risks.
Seafarers are demanding the immediate evacuation of all sailors currently trapped in the region and are calling for the area to be formally designated as off-limits for ships.
The union also urged authorities to take steps to assist maritime academy students serving on those vessels who are unable to return to Greece and continue their studies.
The federation said it had already warned the company involved during a meeting at its offices that no ship would depart from Greece for the Middle East while the conflict continues.
