The head of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated on Wednesday that approximately 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on vessels unable to safely depart the Gulf, amid ongoing attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to sea-news.az that IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attacks on several commercial vessels in the strait over the past two days. He warned that innocent seafarers are once again being placed in grave danger.
The Secretary-General stated that since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, hundreds of ships with approximately 6,000 seafarers on board have remained trapped in the Gulf. He added: “No seafarer should risk their life just for doing their job.”
Dominguez called on flag states, shipowners, operators, and relevant authorities to refrain from exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the strait as long as the safety of the crews cannot be guaranteed.
The IMO chief stated that the recent attacks have increased fear, uncertainty, and psychological stress among the crews remaining on board. He urged all relevant states to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of vessels still remaining in the Gulf.
The UN organization reported last month that since the beginning of the conflict, 46 attacks against ships have been recorded in and around the Strait of Hormuz, with 14 seafarer deaths confirmed.
