ISTANBUL — Nearly 6,000 international sailors are stuck on cargo ships in the Gulf. Recent missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels have blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Because of this, ships cannot safely leave the area. The United Nations maritime body confirmed the crisis on Wednesday.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Chief Arsenio Dominguez strongly condemned the latest strikes. He noted that two major attacks happened over the last 48 hours. He warned that these actions put innocent merchant crews in extreme danger.
Danger in the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz sits between Iran and Oman. It is one of the most critical shipping lanes in the world. However, recent geopolitical conflicts have turned the narrow passage into a combat zone. Hundreds of merchant ships have been trapped here since the fighting started.
“No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job,” Dominguez said. He explained that the ongoing violence causes deep fear and stress for the crews.
Rising Death Toll
The UN agency released grim data on the conflict. Officials have confirmed 46 separate attacks on international ships since February 28. Sadly, these violent incidents have already killed 14 seafarers.
Due to the extreme risks, the IMO chief urged global shipowners to change their routes. He wants operators to avoid the Strait completely unless they can guarantee total safety for their crews.
The UN is now pushing regional leaders to stop the violence. The immediate goal is to create a safe window so the thousands of trapped sailors can finally go home.
