Hormuz attacks trap 6,000 sailors as maritime safety worsens

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 05:26 · Archive

Around 6,000 seafarers remain trapped near the Strait of Hormuz as 24 ships have been attacked over roughly two weeks.

Around 6,000 seafarers remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on commercial ships, the United Nations' top maritime official warned. The warning came after Iran accused the US military of using VHF Channel 16, an internationally designated maritime distress and safety channel, to intimidate Iranian crews in the Persian Gulf.

International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez told Fox News Digital that the situation was 'severe and critical when it comes to international shipping'. He warned that seafarers had 'continued to perish in these attacks' and called for no transit of the Strait of Hormuz or risk to seafarers 'until we have guarantees'.

Iran alleged in an October 9 letter to the IMO that US military forces had 'repeatedly occupied' VHF Channel 16 'for prolonged periods'. It claimed that 'during such transmissions, Iranian seafarers have been addressed in Persian with threatening, abusive and provocative language and in certain instances urged to abandon their vessels'.

US Central Command defended its actions, stating that its naval blockade of Iranian ports 'has been in place for months and is professionally communicated to all international mariners'. It said vessels refusing to comply received 'multiple warnings, with ample opportunity to comply'.

How it is being reported

• Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors as attacks on ships mount, UN maritime chief saysAround 6,000 seafarers remain trapped near the Strait of Hormuz as 24 ships face attacks, while Iran accuses the U.S. military of using VHF Channel 16.New York Post · 19 Oct, 05:09
• Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors as attacks on ships mount, UN maritime chief saysAround 6,000 seafarers remain trapped near the Strait of Hormuz as 24 ships face attacks, while Iran accuses the U.S. military of using VHF Channel 16.Fox News · 19 Oct, 03:23

In this story: Strait of Hormuz · Iran · United States · International Maritime Organization · Arsenio Dominguez · Persian Gulf

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