Dubai: Nearly 6,000 seafarers remain stranded on vessels unable to safely leave the Gulf as attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz continue, the head of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO) said Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attacks over the past two days on several commercial ships in the Strait, emphasizing that innocent seafarers are being placed in 'grave danger.' He reported that since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, hundreds of ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been stranded in the Gulf.

Dominguez highlighted the unacceptable risk faced by seafarers, stating, "No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job." He urged flag states, shipowners, operators, and relevant authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait as long as crew safety and security cannot be assured.

The situation has intensified the fear, uncertainty, and psychological strain among stranded crews. Dominguez called on all concerned states to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of ships still trapped in the Gulf.

The UN agency had previously confirmed 46 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, marking the start of the conflict, with 14 seafarer fatalities reported. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is a critical maritime chokepoint, connecting the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.