Iran Reports 54 Seafarers Killed and 253 Vessels Destroyed Since Conflict Began

Iran stated on Wednesday that 54 seafarers have been killed, 66 others injured, and seven remain missing in various maritime incidents connected to conflict and related shipping restrictions, according to data presented at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Speaking at the 76th session of the IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee, an Iranian representative said the incidents affected a total of 360 vessels, including 253 ships that were sunk or completely destroyed. The representative stated that the conflict and various related maritime restrictions have had a serious impact on ships, crews, port operations, search and rescue services, emergency response systems, vessel traffic services, communication facilities, and navigational safety infrastructure. According to the data presented by Iran, 28 seafarers were taken hostage during the period, with five of them still detained. The Iranian representative also reported damage to four maritime operations buildings, four vessel traffic service control stations, and eight communication relay units. These facilities were described as vital installations supporting navigational safety, emergency coordination, and maritime traffic management. In a document submitted to the committee on 8 June, Iran stated that a United States policy dubbed ‘the US Will Blockade Ships Entering or Leaving Iranian Ports’, along with various other related restrictions, has disrupted commercial shipping activity, access to ports, voyage planning, navigational safety, and the movement of vessels and crews.