Thousands of sailors are currently stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to increasing attacks on commercial vessels, as highlighted by the United Nations’ leading maritime official. This warning follows reports of 24 ships being attacked in the last two weeks, raising significant concerns about maritime safety in the region, according to reports.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, remarked on the critical condition of international shipping, stating there’s a “double blockade” and that there have been numerous attacks on vessels in recent days. He expressed grave concerns for the seafarers, indicating that about 6,000 remain trapped since the conflict’s inception and advised against transiting the Strait of Hormuz until safer conditions are guaranteed.
Dominguez’s caution came after Iran claimed that the U.S. military misused an international emergency radio channel to intimidate Iranian crews in the Persian Gulf. They alleged the U.S. forces have occupied VHF Channel 16 for extended periods, using it to deliver threatening communications.
In response, the U.S. Central Command defended the ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports, asserting that it has been clearly communicated to all international mariners. They noted that vessels failing to comply receive several warnings, emphasizing the professionalism and vigilance of American naval forces in enforcing the blockade.
Iran’s grievances were communicated through their ambassador to the IMO, Seyed Ali Mousavi, who asked international organizations to address these allegations. The complaint did not include specific evidence such as recordings or transcripts of the supposed communications, making independent verification challenging.
Dominguez stressed that seafarers are not trained for combat and should not be caught in the crossfire of international conflicts. He noted that channel misuse, where threatening messages are sent, could undermine maritime safety, and acknowledged the rise of fraudulent ship registrations contributing to the perilous situation.
Despite the tensions, Dominguez indicated that diplomatic avenues with Iran remain open, though he has no direct contact with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Communication occurs through diplomatic channels, although he pointed out that reaching final agreements can be difficult amidst ongoing conflicts.
