London: The head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said Wednesday that a significant number of seafarers remain stranded aboard vessels around the Strait of Hormuz as he called the situation 'unacceptable' for a civilian workforce. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the situation in the strategic shipping channel remains 'deeply concerning.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Dominguez stated that a significant number of seafarers are now stranded on board vessels unable to operate normally or to leave the region, effectively confined for prolonged periods in a high-risk environment. He highlighted that seafarers are facing sustained security threats and severe psychological pressure, while the immobilization of ships in and around the Gulf also carries serious consequences for global trade, energy supply, and economic stability.

Dominguez warned that the longer this situation persists, the greater the risk of a serious maritime incident. He emphasized that freedom of navigation must be respected and that seafarers and merchant vessels 'must never become collateral victims of geopolitical tensions.'

The IMO chief mentioned his mandate to facilitate work aimed at enabling maritime corridors for the safe evacuation of seafarers, should the situation require it. This plan, he explained, is firmly anchored in international law and IMO standards and is intended to be implemented by the relevant countries. However, he expressed frustration that continued disagreements prevent the implementation of this plan, leaving seafarers blocked on board ships for months.

Dominguez pointed out that practical solutions exist, but the ability to reach agreement without further delay is lacking. The IMO previously reported that nearly 20,000 seafarers were stranded in the region after vessel traffic through the strait came to a near halt following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war.

He also brought attention to renewed reports of piracy and armed robbery against ships off Somalia, describing the development as a matter of growing concern. The Maritime Safety Committee's 111th session, running from May 13 to 22, is expected to consider amendments to mandatory instruments, including the SOLAS Convention, as well as work toward finalizing the first international Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships.