Nicosia, Cyprus. Cypriot shipping companies with vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman due to Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz have reported no direct hits, casualties or crew losses so far, according to the Cyprus Shipping Chamber.
No damage or injuries reported
Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) director general Alexandros Iosifidis told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that some chamber members had ships affected in the area, including large cruise vessels carrying thousands of passengers and crew, but none had reported injuries or damage.
“The good news,” Iosifidis said, “is that no one has informed us that their ships were either hit directly or there was collateral damage, they have not informed us that they had any crew losses.”
Focus on seafarer safety and support
Iosifidis said the chamber’s main concern remained the safety of seafarers trapped in the region and that companies were trying to support crews and their families.
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping has said that 19 Cyprus-flagged ships are blocked in the area and are safe.
Chamber represents Cypriot interests beyond flag
Iosifidis said the chamber’s concern extends beyond flag state, as it represents ships managed or owned by Cypriot interests regardless of registration.
Efforts to move passengers and crew
Iosifidis said some companies with stranded cruise ships were trying to charter aircraft to transport passengers and crews out of the region, which he said number several thousand. He added that one company has already repatriated a Cypriot trainee from a vessel.
He said there was still no complete picture of how many people linked to Cyprus-based shipping companies were affected, but estimated the number ran into the thousands.
IMO figures for wider area
Iosifidis referred to figures from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) indicating around 35,000 seafarers and passengers stranded in the wider area.
What steps do you think shipping companies should prioritise to protect crews and passengers in the region?
