UN warns of looming crisis as virus strands ship crews at sea

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Friday for countries to relieve ship crews stranded at sea for long periods due to lockdowns imposed to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

"The Secretary-General calls on all countries to formally designate seafarers and other marine personnel as 'key workers' and ensure crew changeovers can safely take place," a statement issued by the United Nations said.

Guterres is "concerned about the growing humanitarian and safety crisis facing seafarers around the world."