IMO Records 29 Attacks on Civilian Ships in Persian Gulf-Hormuz Strait

Moscow (ANTARA) - As many as 29 attacks on civilian ships have occurred in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz since tensions from the conflict surrounding Iran began, according to the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Friday. “IMO has verified 29 attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the conflict,” IMO stated in its announcement. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said that supplies for trapped ships, including water, food, and fuel, could soon run low. He also expressed thanks to regional countries for their support in providing essential needs to seafarers. “IMO is working with member states and partners to develop evacuation plans for ship crews, ready to be implemented when the situation allows. This includes compiling lists of affected ships and prioritising based on humanitarian needs,” the statement said. In early April, IMO reported 21 attacks that resulted in 10 deaths. Since then, there have been no additional reports of casualties. However, around 20,000 seafarers on approximately 1,600 ships remain trapped in the area. The United States and Israel launched joint attacks on targets in Iran on 28 February, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths. On 8 April, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire. The first round of subsequent negotiations held in Islamabad ended without a breakthrough. Although there are no reports of hostilities resuming, the United States continues to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.