IMO alarmed by Strait of Hormuz attacks; seafarers injured

The International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping, has expressed concern over the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz after reports that seafarers were injured in recent attacks on vessels transiting the route.

In a statement on Monday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said he is deeply concerned by reports that several seafarers have been hurt in attacks on merchant vessels.

“No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified. These crews are simply doing their jobs and must be protected from the effects of wider geopolitical tensions,” Dominguez said.

According to a report by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, posted by independent provider of global energy and commodity market intelligence Argus, explosive projectiles hit two more ships near the Strait of Hormuz as of 2 March, bringing the total number of vessel attacks to three.

“One tanker was struck 50 nautical miles (nm) north of Muscat, Oman, leading to a fire in the engine room that is now reportedly under control. A second was hit 17nm northwest of Mina Saqr, UAE, leading to a fire that was subsequently extinguished. This was in addition to a strike on a Palau-flagged chemicals and oil products tanker earlier on Sunday,” the report said.

Another vessel located 35nm west of Sharjah, UAE, reported a projectile explosion nearby that caused no damage, the report added.

Dominguez stressed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international maritime law and must be respected by all parties without exception.

“I am monitoring the situation closely, and I urge all shipping companies to exercise maximum caution. Where possible, vessels should avoid transiting the affected region until conditions improve,” he said.

He also called on stakeholders to remain vigilant against disinformation and to rely only on verified and authoritative sources in making navigational decisions.

“My thoughts are with the injured seafarers and their families. Their safety and welfare are our highest priority, and the IMO will continue working closely with Member States and partners to support safe navigation and to uphold the principle that civilian mariners must never be harmed," he said.

The IMO did not disclose the nationalities of the injured seafarers.

The Philippines remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, with hundreds of thousands of Filipinos working on oil tankers, cargo ships and cruise vessels.