IMO urges ships to avoid Strait of Hormuz after attacks on vessels

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has called on shipowners to temporarily avoid routing vessels through the Strait of Hormuz following a series of recent attacks on commercial shipping.

In a statement, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez expressed concern over the escalating risks to maritime safety in the region.

"I regret that once again I am compelled to speak out following attacks on commercial ships and innocent seafarers, due to geopolitical circumstances beyond their control.

I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

These reckless attacks have again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger. No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job.

As long as the safety and security of crews cannot be assured, I urge flag States, shipowners, operators and all relevant authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait.

The situation in the region remains volatile. These attacks further intensify the fear, uncertainty, and psychological strain already being endured by the nearly 6,000 seafarers who remain stranded on board vessels unable to depart the Persian Gulf safely.

I call on all States concerned to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of the ships still trapped in the Gulf since the crisis began.

The safety of seafarers must remain our foremost priority," the statement says.

By Tamilla Hasanova