Seafarer Shares First-Hand Account With IMO About Being Stranded In Persian Gulf
Our take
In a compelling account, a seafarer shared his experience of being stranded in the Persian Gulf, shedding light on the challenges faced in this critical maritime region. The International Maritime Organization (IMO), led by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, has emphasized the urgent need for Member States to collaborate and address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident underscores the importance of collective action in ensuring the safety and security of maritime navigation, reinforcing the commitment to uphold international maritime standards and protect seafarers' well-being.
In recent developments, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has spotlighted a critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 20,000 seafarers are stranded on 1,500 ships due to geopolitical tensions and blockades. This situation not only poses immediate risks to the seafarers’ physical well-being but also raises significant concerns regarding mental health, as highlighted in our article, Seafarers Stuck In Hormuz Suffer From Anxiety & Depression, Mental Health Issues On The Rise. The firsthand accounts shared by these seafarers, including those presented to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, reveal the urgent need for collaborative action among Member States to address the complex challenges in this strategically vital maritime corridor.
The Strait of Hormuz is a linchpin for global trade, with a significant percentage of the world's oil passing through its waters. The ongoing blockade not only disrupts supply chains but also has far-reaching implications for global energy security and economic stability. The IMO's calls for Member States to unite in finding solutions are crucial, as the ramifications extend beyond the immediate crisis. The maritime industry is interconnected; disruptions in one region can send shockwaves throughout global markets, affecting everything from fuel prices to the availability of goods. Additionally, the psychological toll on the stranded seafarers cannot be overstated. Reports indicate that the biggest fears among these individuals revolve not around scarcity of food or water, but rather the fear of death—a stark reflection of the profound psychological impact of their plight. This situation underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health support alongside physical safety measures.
The IMO's engagement with Member States serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we share in maintaining maritime safety and security. As the seafarers' stories reveal, their lives depend on the decisions made by governments and shipping companies. The maritime sector must advocate for these individuals, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The maritime community has a unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the principles of ocean stewardship, which extends beyond environmental concerns to encompass the welfare of those who navigate these waters. The call to action from the IMO is not merely a bureaucratic response; it is a moral imperative that resonates throughout the industry.
As we look to the future, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz poses critical questions for policymakers, shipping companies, and maritime stakeholders alike. How can we ensure that the safety and well-being of seafarers are prioritized in times of geopolitical tension? Will the international community come together to develop frameworks that not only address immediate crises but also foster long-term solutions for maritime security? The answers to these questions will shape the future of the maritime industry and the lives of countless individuals who dedicate themselves to keeping global trade moving. The urgency of the moment calls for a concerted effort to address these challenges, underscoring the need for innovative solutions and a commitment to global collaboration in safeguarding both the seas and those who traverse them.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on all Member States to support efforts to address the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where around 20,000 seafarers remain trapped and unable to leave.
In an informal briefing to Member States and industry representatives, Secretary-General Dominguez confirmed that several vessels had been seized and detained in the region over the past few days.
He urged maximum caution, considering potential mines present throughout the Strait and threat of further attacks on ships.
“My call is to release the seafarers because they are not at fault,” he said. “The situation is not improving. I reiterate: there is no safe transit anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz.”
He highlighted that 29 attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz had been verified by IMO since the beginning of the conflict, resulting in the death of at least 10 seafarers and damage to the vessels. Around 20,000 seafarers on around 1,600 vessels remain in the Gulf.
Seafarers’ welfare
With the conflict now in its eighth week, Secretary-General Dominguez warned that supplies on ships stuck in the Persian Gulf – including water, food and fuel – will start running short. He appreciated the ongoing support from countries in the region in providing essential supplies and provisions.
Secretary-General Dominguez urged all flag States, NGOs, industry bodies and the States of nationality of the seafarers to offer any assistance, including through remote support, helplines and keeping families informed. He also highlighted the importance of fair treatment of seafarers in terms of welfare and payment of wages.
“I spoke to a seafarer who had been trapped in the Persian Gulf for more than six weeks. Aside from the exhaustion and toll on mental health of the crews, they feel invisible, that they are not valued. There is much more we need to do,” he told delegates.
Maritime evacuation plan
IMO is working with Member States and partners on an evacuation plan for seafarers, ready to implement once it is safe to do so. This includes compiling a list of affected vessels and prioritizing them based on humanitarian needs.
For the evacuation to proceed, all parties involved in the conflict would need to agree to refrain from attacks on maritime assets during the operation.
Mr. Dominguez also called for coordination among flag States, shipowners and operators to use the internationally recognized Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) as an evacuation corridor, once safety guarantees are in place.
He underscored that the TSS, adopted by the IMO in 1968, remains the only recognized route through the Strait.
He said the IMO will continue to engage with Iran and Oman, which have been coordinating transit operations in the corridor. He also acknowledged the support offered by France, the United Kingdom and other countries for the evacuation process.
IMO will further update the UN Security Council on Monday 27 April 2026 on developments.
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