The International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a statement urging governments to stop attacks on commercial ships. This warning follows reports of 80 confirmed attacks on international vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, coinciding with the start of hostilities in the Middle East. In these attacks, at least 22 sailors have been killed and many others injured.
Widespread Impact of Attacks on the Commercial Fleet
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, stated at a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers in London, "We have reached a point where these conflicts have become an excuse to attack commercial ships and innocent sailors." He emphasized that the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz are not limited to one country and that a similar situation exists in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
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Increasing Tensions in Strategic Waters
Recent statistics show that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has rapidly deteriorated. On August 28, the IMO confirmed that 70 attacks and 19 fatalities among sailors had been reported. However, by September 15, this number had risen to 80 attacks and at least 22 fatalities. Among the recent incidents are the attack on the El Gaya ship on September 12 and damage to the Hercules Star ship on September 9, which resulted in one death, and the Cedar ship, which left two dead on August 31.
Given the prevailing security crisis, a large portion of the commercial fleet in the Persian Gulf is effectively under siege. The IMO reported in late August that up to 400 ships carrying approximately 6,000 sailors have been unable to leave the area safely since the onset of hostilities.
Dominguez also pointed out that resolving the underlying conflicts is beyond the IMO's responsibility, but urged member countries to convey the consequences to their governments and other UN bodies.
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