The ITF union and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) of shipowners have united in a call for more protection for vessels in the Middle East Gulf.

The two were reacting to the apparent torpedo and mine attack on Frontline and BSM tankers off Iran on Thursday that left the vessels abandoned and drifting.

ITF seafarers’ section chair David Heindel said: “Our thoughts go out to the seafarers involved in the incidents, and of course their families.