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The International Maritime Organization issued an urgent appeal to the international community to prioritize diplomatic intervention and humanitarian corridors to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers currently trapped in the Persian Gulf
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Since the conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, the IMO has confirmed 21 attacks on commercial vessels, resulting in 10 fatalities and numerous severe injuries
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The 20,000 seafarers remaining onboard merchant ships face critical shortages of supplies, extreme fatigue, and deteriorating mental health
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued an urgent appeal to the international community to prioritize diplomatic intervention and humanitarian corridors to evacuate approximately 20,000 seafarers currently trapped in the Persian Gulf.
During a high-level virtual summit hosted by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on more than 40 nations to uphold the freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of civilian crews. Emphasizing a shift away from purely military strategies, Dominguez advocated for de-escalation and operational maritime solutions.
“Fragmented responses are no longer sufficient,” Dominguez said. “We require coordinated international action and neutral, practical solutions to resolve this crisis.”
Since the conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, the IMO has confirmed 21 attacks on commercial vessels, resulting in 10 fatalities and numerous severe injuries. The 20,000 seafarers remaining onboard merchant ships face critical shortages of supplies, extreme fatigue, and deteriorating mental health.
Following an extraordinary Council session in mid-March, the IMO has launched several key initiatives:
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Evacuation Framework: Developing a safe passage protocol in coordination with relevant states to enable crew rotations and the release of trapped vessels.
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Coastal State Cooperation: Engaging regional partners to secure vital supply lines and facilitate humanitarian access to ships.
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Information Hub: Maintaining a verified data center tracking ship attacks, industry guidance, and the broader economic impacts of the crisis.
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Industry Synergy: Coordinating closely with global bodies such as BIMCO, ICS, and the ITF to streamline emergency responses.
The IMO is also a founding member of a new UN Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz. Led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, this specialized unit—which includes UNCTAD and the International Chamber of Commerce—is focused on engineering technical mechanisms to address the acute humanitarian needs arising from the blockade.
The IMO remains committed to preventing a potential environmental disaster and ensuring that the rights of seafarers are protected amidst the ongoing regional volatility.
READ: PH to ask Iran for safe passage of oil through Strait of Hormuz
