IMO Declares 20,000 Seafarers Stranded in Persian Gulf Amid Deadly Strait Of Hormuz Attacks On Vessels

By Roland Ekama 

The Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation IMO Arsenio Dominguez has condemned a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, March 6, 2026, where at least four seafarers died and three suffered severe injuries.

The incident has intensified concerns for around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf, trapped aboard ships facing heightened risks and severe mental strain.

This latest tragedy , IMO stated , follows earlier reports of two seafarer fatalities and one missing in the region.

Dominguez expressed alarm and deep sadness, stating his thoughts are with the victims’ families and the global maritime community.

The IMO Secretary-General’s said “I am alarmed and deeply saddened to hear of a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 6 March 2026, in which at least four seafarers have reportedly lost their lives and three severely injured.

Dominguez stressed that seafarers must not be targets and called for urgent action to safeguard lives and navigation rights.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses.

“Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, on board ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain.

“This is unacceptable and unsustainable. All parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law.

”The IMO has published an indicative list of confirmed shipboard incidents near the Strait of Hormuz, along with resource links, available [here](Middle East).