David Hammond
ON THE RECORD · 9 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“It is unique in terms of the interception and the interdiction of a vessel that had been sanctioned, having passed through the English Channel as an international transit corridor. It’s, in my understanding, not happened before,”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond describes the uniqueness of the interception and interdiction of the sanctioned vessel in the English Channel.
“disposable because they can be easily replaced but concurrently, as assets for assuring continuous global movement of goods by sea.”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond elaborates on why seafarers are seen as disposable yet essential to global trade.
“shipping crews finding themselves in a position where they are arrested for many crimes, such as trafficking or movement of drugs that they’re not even aware of having been put on board the ship”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond describes a broader pattern of shipping crews being arrested for crimes they were unaware of.
“In the case of the Smyrtos, it could be argued that Captain Pant is being criminalised for simply doing his job,”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond argues that Captain Pant may be being criminalised simply for doing his job.
“the freedom of navigation at sea”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond identifies freedom of navigation at sea as the bigger issue raised by such vessel captures.
“a much bigger issue”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond says the capture of vessels in international waters raises a larger issue about freedom of navigation.
“Undeniably, seafarers are seen as disposable assets,”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond says seafarers are viewed as disposable assets by shipping companies and nations.
“And the unintended consequences of which are yet to be seen,”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond warns about the unintended consequences of the case's outcome.
“is a perfect storm in a global storm of impunity; who is accountable and who enforces accountability”
David Hammond · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-06
Hammond describes the Smyrtos case as part of a broader global issue of impunity and accountability.