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The International Maritime Organization has condemned new attacks on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that seafarers are again being placed in direct danger as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said attacks over the past two days had targeted several ships moving through the Strait, adding that crews should not be exposed to unnecessary risk while the situation remains volatile.
Seafarers face renewed danger
Dominguez said he regretted having to speak out again after attacks on commercial ships and “innocent seafarers” caused by geopolitical circumstances beyond their control.
“I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
He said the incidents had again placed crews in grave danger, adding that no seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job.
The warning comes as hundreds of ships remain unable to leave the Persian Gulf safely. According to the IMO, around 6,000 seafarers are still stranded on board vessels in the region since the start of the Middle East conflict.
IMO urges restraint and route caution
Dominguez urged flag states, shipowners, operators and relevant authorities to avoid exposing crews to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait while their safety and security cannot be assured.
His message was clear. If the route is unsafe, crews should not be treated as an acceptable risk.
For shipowners and charterers, that creates a difficult operational question. How long can vessels wait, and when does delay become safer than movement? In a normal market, the Strait of Hormuz is a transit point. In the current climate, it has become a decision point.
Gulf shipping remains trapped
The IMO said the attacks had intensified the fear, uncertainty and psychological strain already affecting crews stuck on vessels in the Persian Gulf.
Dominguez called on all states involved to exercise maximum restraint, de escalate the situation without delay and help ships still trapped in the Gulf depart safely.
“The safety of seafarers must remain our foremost priority,” he said.
