IMO chief says seafarers stranded around Strait of Hormuz in 'unacceptable' situation

The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said Wednesday that a significant number of seafarers remain stranded aboard vessels around the Strait of Hormuz as he called the situation "unacceptable" for a civilian workforce. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the situation in the strategic shipping channel remains "deeply concerning."

Seafarers' plight

"A significant number of seafarers are now stranded on board vessels unable to operate normally or to leave the region, effectively confined for prolonged periods in a high-risk environment," Dominguez said at the opening of the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee in London. He said seafarers are facing "sustained security threats and severe psychological pressure," while the immobilization of ships also carries serious consequences for global trade, energy supply and economic stability.

Call for action

Dominguez stressed that freedom of navigation must be respected and seafarers and merchant vessels "must never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions." He said he was mandated to facilitate work aimed at enabling maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers, should the situation require it. "It is unacceptable that continued disagreements prevent the implementation of this plan, leaving seafarers blocked on board ships for months on end," he said.

IMO's role

The IMO previously said nearly 20,000 seafarers were stranded in the region after vessel traffic through the strait came to a near halt following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war. Dominguez also warned of renewed reports of piracy and armed robbery against ships off Somalia, calling the development a matter of "growing concern."