IMO: 400 ships trapped in the Gulf due to Middle East war

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recorded that 400 ships and 6,000 seafarers remain trapped in the Gulf region, six months after the conflict in the Middle East erupted.

“Although some ships and their crews have managed to leave the Gulf, 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to sail safely since the conflict began,” said IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

He described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz—the strategic waterway through which one-fifth of global oil trade passes—as still “unresolved.”

The UN agency has verified at least 70 attacks on international shipping since the war broke out on 28 February, resulting in 19 seafarer deaths.

Dominguez stressed that disruption to vital supply chains for fuel and fertiliser has a “very serious” impact on communities and economies globally.

He highlighted that the situation is deeply concerning for thousands of “innocent” workers forced to live in “high risk and uncertainty.”

Dominguez urged for “renewed political will” from member states and the shipping industry to restore freedom of navigation through the waterway.

Last June, the United States and Iran had previously signed a peace memorandum of understanding and begun negotiations towards a final agreement.

However, the talks subsequently stalled due to disputes over security guarantees and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.