UN Maritime Chief Warns of Trapped Sailors Amid Escalating Strait of Hormuz Attacks

Approximately 6,000 sailors are trapped near the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating attacks on commercial vessels, according to the United Nations' top maritime official. The situation has become severe and critical, with reports indicating that 24 ships have been attacked in the waterway over the past two weeks.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that seafarers have perished in these attacks and urged caution against transiting the Strait of Hormuz until guarantees of safety can be provided. He noted the presence of a "double blockade" and an increasing number of attacked vessels.

Dominguez's warning followed a letter submitted by Iran to the IMO on October 9. In the letter, Iran alleged that the U.S. military had repeatedly used VHF Channel 16, an internationally designated maritime distress and safety channel, to threaten Iranian crews in the Persian Gulf. Tehran accused U.S. forces of using the channel for "threatening, abusive and provocative language" and urging crews to abandon their vessels, turning the safety channel into an "instrument of military intimidation and psychological pressure."

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) defended its actions in a statement, asserting that the U.S. naval blockade has been in place for months and is professionally communicated to mariners. CENTCOM stated that vessels refusing to comply with blockade enforcement receive multiple warnings and ample opportunity to comply, emphasizing that American forces are vigilant and professional in enforcing the blockade against Iran.

Fox News Digital could not independently verify Iran's accusations, as the letter cited commercial vessels and operators but provided no recordings, transcripts, or specific details of the alleged exchanges. Dominguez highlighted that seafarers are not trained for combat and are not responsible for global conflicts, expressing concern that Channel 16 is being used for communications outside its intended purpose.

The IMO has recorded 100 confirmed maritime incidents in the region as of October 9, with 24 seafarers killed since the conflict began on February 28. Dominguez also pointed to an increase in fraudulent ship registrations and the use of false flags by irresponsible shipowners as contributing factors to the escalating danger. "For me, any single case, any vessel that is attacked, any life of a seafarer that is lost, is a critical situation for me, because they are all relevant, they are all important," he said.

Dominguez confirmed that diplomatic channels with Iran remain open, though he does not have direct contact with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He stated that the IMO has conversations with all member states, including Iran, through diplomatic channels. The information flow is maintained, but obtaining final decisions can be challenging due to the ongoing conflict. The IMO may review its regulations and procedures to determine if stronger safeguards are needed for maritime safety communications.