The international association INTERCARGO expresses its deep sorrow over the death of the chief engineer of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Minoan Dignity, owned by interests associated with Myron Tsatsakis. The seafarer lost his life following the attack on the vessel on August 17, 2026, while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the information available, an unidentified projectile struck the vessel’s engine room, fatally injuring the chief engineer. INTERCARGO extends its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones, while expressing its deep concern for the fate of the remaining crew members and its hope that they can be evacuated safely.

As the international association of dry bulk shipowners points out, behind every merchant vessel caught in the turmoil of an armed conflict are seafarers: civilian workers who carry out their professional duties far from their homes and families, keeping global trade moving.

“Seafarers are civilians and must never be targets or collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts,” INTERCARGO stresses.

At the same time, it calls on all parties involved to respect international law and ensure the protection of seafarers and merchant vessels. Human life at sea, it stresses, must remain above any political or military considerations.

“The loss of even one seafarer is one loss too many to be accepted,” INTERCARGO’s statement concludes.