IMO: No Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on all member states to support efforts to address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where around 20,000 seafarers remain trapped and unable to leave.

In an informal briefing to member states and industry representatives, Dominguez confirmed that several vessels had been seized and detained in the region over the past few days.  

He urged maximum caution, considering potential mines present throughout the Strait and threat of further attacks on ships. 

“My call is to release the seafarers because they are not at fault,” he said. “The situation is not improving. I reiterate: there is no safe transit anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz.” 

He highlighted that 29 attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz had been verified by IMO since the beginning of the conflict, resulting in the death of at least 10 seafarers and damage to the vessels. Around 20,000 seafarers on around 1,600 vessels remain in the Gulf. 

With the conflict now in its eighth week, Dominguez warned that supplies on ships stuck in the Persian Gulf - including water, food and fuel - will start running short. He appreciated the ongoing support from countries in the region in providing essential supplies and provisions.  

Dominguez urged all flag states, NGOs, industry bodies and the states of nationality of the seafarers to offer any assistance, including through remote support, helplines