At Least 10 Civilian Sailors Dead Due To Ongoing Conflict In Strait Of Hormuz, U.S. Secretary Says

At least 10 civilian sailors have died due to the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 5.

Speaking at the White House, Rubio said the deaths were linked to the difficult conditions faced by crews stuck in the region.

He said many of them are isolated, running out of food, and in a vulnerable state. He did not share further details about the incidents.

He added that around 23,000 civilian sailors are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters, describing them as exposed and unable to move safely.

Hundreds of ships are waiting to pass through the Strait, which has slowed down traffic in one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

Before the situation escalated earlier this year, about 20% of the world’s oil supply moved through the Strait of Hormuz every day, making it a key route for global trade.

Rubio said the United States will continue to deploy its assets to protect freedom of navigation in the area. He said the current US operation is defensive and that forces will only respond if they are attacked.

“We are only responding if attacked first,” he told reporters, adding that if no shots are fired at US forces or ships, they will not fire. However, he said the US would respond if targeted.

Rubio: At least 10 civilian sailors have already died.

Many nations have asked the US to free their ships and restore freedom of navigation in Hormuz, so Trump ordered the military to guide stranded vessels to safety and create a protective bubble. 2X pic.twitter.com/hQbjgSzGMV

— Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) May 5, 2026

He also said the US has been in contact with several vessels to help them move out of the Strait, repeating earlier remarks made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

At the same time, tensions in the region remain high. The United Arab Emirates reported that it came under missile and drone attacks on May 5, which it blamed on Iran, even as US officials said a ceasefire was still holding, though fragile.

Rubio said the initial US military operation against Iran is over and maintained that current actions are limited to defense, including enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports.

He also said it is time for Iran to accept the situation and come forward for talks. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are continuing diplomatic efforts to find a solution.

According to Rubio, any agreement would need to address Iran’s nuclear programme, including concerns over nuclear material that he said is stored deep underground and could still be accessed.

He said the negotiations are complex and would take time, adding that any agreement would depend on what Iran is willing to discuss and the concessions it is ready to make at the start.

Meanwhile, the situation continues to affect commercial shipping, with vessel movements delayed and operators keeping a close watch.

References: Reuters, Al-monitor