Hundreds of Ships and Thousands of Seafarers Remain Stranded in Persian Gulf

Nicosia, Cyprus. Up to 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers remain unable to leave the Persian Gulf safely six months after the Middle East conflict began, according to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the unresolved situation in the Strait of Hormuz had left thousands of seafarers working and living under conditions of heightened risk and uncertainty.

Wider impact on maritime workers

While some vessels and crews have managed to leave the region, hundreds remain unable to depart safely. The IMO said more than 20,000 seafarers across the region were affected, along with port workers and offshore crews.

The organisation had verified 70 attacks on international shipping as of August 26, resulting in the deaths of 19 seafarers.

Fatal incidents

The confirmed attacks included fatal incidents involving the Minoan Dignity and Riyan Star in August. Another seafarer remains missing after an incident involving the Minoan Pioneer earlier that month.

Temporary maritime framework

In March, the IMO Council called for a temporary safe maritime framework to enable merchant vessels confined within the Gulf to leave the region.

The voluntary mechanism was intended for vessels covered by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea that wished to depart, while preserving rights and freedoms of navigation under international law.

According to IMO figures, the framework enabled 136 vessels carrying an estimated 2,900 seafarers to leave the region between June 23 and June 26.

The evacuation operation was later temporarily paused after a vessel that had passed through the Strait of Hormuz was attacked in the Gulf of Oman.