IMO Warns of Security Crisis for 6,000 Seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz
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The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, warned that around 6,000 seafarers remain trapped near the Strait of Hormuz due to the escalation of attacks on commercial vessels amid the conflict between the United States and Iran. Speaking to Fox News Digital on October 18, Domínguez described the situation as serious and critical for international shipping and recommended avoiding transit through the area until security guarantees are secured.
Attacks and Casualties
According to data released by the IMO, 24 vessels were confirmed attacked in the Strait of Hormuz over a span of roughly two weeks, a figure attributed to the Financial Times. Hellenic Shipping News and Safety4Sea reported that the IMO had confirmed 100 maritime incidents in the region as of October 9, with 24 seafarers killed since the conflict began on February 28. Porto e Navios, however, reported that the agency had recorded 120 confirmed incidents since that date, in addition to the same 24 seafarer fatalities.
Dispute over VHF Channel
The crisis deepened following a complaint filed by Iran with the IMO on October 9, in which it accused U.S. military forces of repeatedly occupying VHF Channel 16, designated for safety and emergency communications, to address Iranian crews in Persian with threatening messages and, in some cases, urge them to abandon their vessels. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) defended the enforcement of its naval blockade on Iranian ports, maintaining that shipping operators receive sufficient warnings and opportunities to comply with the restrictions.
Fraudulent Registrations and False Flags
Domínguez also pointed to an increase in fraudulent vessel registrations and ships operating under false flags in the region, some of which function as mother ships to move cargo in and out of the affected area despite the risks to crews. According to the IMO chief, these practices are contributing to the escalation of maritime incidents.
Open Dialogue with Iran
Despite the tension, Domínguez confirmed that he remains in communication with Iranian representatives through official channels, although he has no direct contact with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The IMO chief indicated that the organization could consider whether its current regulatory framework needs to be strengthened to prevent misuse of maritime communication channels, though he did not announce a formal investigation.
