Fear Reaches Ship Crews: Why Some Sailors Refuse to Cross the Bab el-Mandeb

Crossing the Red Sea is no longer just a routine business trip between two ports for some sailors; it has become a decision that could put their lives at risk from missiles and drones. With the escalation of Houthi attacks, workers on commercial ships find themselves facing a difficult equation: accept the risks to continue working, or refuse to sail through one of the world's most important maritime corridors.

A report published by the French newspaper "Le Monde" on Thursday revealed a growing number of sailors refusing to cross the Bab el-Mandeb strait, after a massive French container ship narrowly escaped a drone attack thanks to the intervention of an accompanying military frigate.

Drone approaches giant ship

On the night of October 1st to 2nd, the container ship "Champs-Elysees," belonging to the French shipping company CMA CGM, was crossing the Bab el-Mandeb accompanied by the French frigate "Languedoc."

The vessel, which entered service in 2020 and operates on liquefied natural gas, is capable of carrying approximately 23,000 containers.

But the journey nearly turned into a disaster when the frigate detected a drone heading toward the commercial ship.

The French General Staff confirmed to "Le Monde" that the frigate used its cannon to shoot down the drone, while the ship was forced to change its speed and course.

Although the incident occurred in early October, details were revealed in the newspaper's investigation published on October 15.

Fear reaches ship crews

Days after the incident, the company held an extraordinary meeting with employee representatives to discuss security risks.

According to the French CFDT union, management informed sailor representatives of an increase in refusals to cross the area since the attack on the "Champs-Elysees."

Sailors fear that their ships may become targets due to the connection of shipping companies to economic interests in regional countries, even if the ships themselves do not fly those nations' flags.

The newspaper quoted an officer working for the company as saying that the metal walls surrounding crew cabins do not provide real protection against missiles.

As for military escort, despite its importance, it does not completely eliminate the risks.

Can a sailor refuse the voyage?

Since March 2024, the International Negotiation Forum, which includes sailors' unions and shipping company representatives, has classified the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as war-related dangerous areas.

This classification allows covered sailors to receive additional benefits and refuse to join voyages passing through the region.

According to "Le Monde," a sailor who accepts crossing the Red Sea receives a risk premium of approximately 1,500 euros.

However, some sailors find themselves compelled to accept the voyage for financial or family reasons.

A union representative within the company states that some crew members continue sailing despite their fear, while others demand using the alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope.

Why don't ships avoid the Bab el-Mandeb?

The alternative route around Africa increases travel time between Asia and Europe by at least ten days, raising fuel consumption and operating costs.

For this reason, shipping companies strive to maintain passage through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal whenever possible.

But military protection also faces limitations, as "Le Monde" notes that the European "Aspides" mission includes only two or three ships during certain periods, despite its ambition to provide a larger force.

While companies continue to calculate costs for fuel, insurance, and delays, sailors face entirely different calculations.

For them, the question is no longer just when the ship will reach its destination, but whether they can arrive there safely.