London – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced on Wednesday that over 3,200 ships are stranded. These ships carry approximately 20,000 seafarers. They are stuck west of the Strait of Hormuz. This is due to military escalation in the Middle East. The IMO confirmed 17 attacks targeting vessels in the region.
The UN News Centre reported on an emergency meeting. The IMO held this two-day meeting in London. Its purpose is to discuss ways to support stranded ships. These ships are in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the wider Gulf region. Concern is growing over the fate of thousands of seafarers and vessels.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez warned of the crisis’s global repercussions. He stated that using shipping as a side effect of conflicts negatively impacts the global economy. It also affects food security.
Dominguez condemned the attacks targeting ships. He noted at least seven seafarers have been killed. Others were injured in repeated attacks since the escalation began. Thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the Arabian Gulf. They face significant risks and increasing psychological pressure.
The IMO is a United Nations agency. It was established in 1948. It has 175 member states. Its headquarters are in London. The IMO is concerned with the safety and security of maritime navigation. It also works to prevent pollution from ships.