The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has condemned the killing of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the latest attack "alarming" and "unacceptable" as violence in the region continues to spill into one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez said he was "alarmed and deeply saddened" by the March 6 attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, in which at least four seafarers were reported killed and three others severely injured. "My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses," he said.
Dominguez warned that thousands of crew members remain trapped in the region as hostilities escalate. "Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, onboard ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain," he said.
"This is unacceptable and unsustainable. All parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law."
The IMO has repeatedly urged restraint in the Gulf as commercial shipping becomes increasingly exposed to military activity linked to the ongoing Iran–US conflict.
The organization said it continues to monitor the situation and is in contact with member states and industry bodies.
Rising seafarer casualties in the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz has become a flashpoint amid escalating tensions in the Middle East with commercial vessels repeatedly caught in crossfire, drone strikes, and missile attacks.
Since the conflict involving Iran, the U.S., Israel, and several Gulf states escalated in early 2026, at least 12 seafarers have been killed in separate incidents involving merchant ships transiting the narrow waterway. Several others have been injured, and dozens of vessels have reported near‑misses or damage from debris.
Maritime unions and shipping associations have warned that the security situation is deteriorating rapidly, with crews facing prolonged detentions, restricted movement, and mounting psychological stress as they remain aboard vessels unable to safely depart the region.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments and is a critical artery for commercial trade. The IMO has urged all parties to respect international maritime law and ensure the safety of civilian seafarers navigating the area.
