The IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned new attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, even as he calls for maximum restraint and de-escalation
Mr Dominguez, in a statement, said it was regrettable that once again, seafarers have become objects in the renewed attacks.
He said: “I regret that once again I am compelled to speak out following attacks on commercial ships and innocent seafarers, due to geopolitical circumstances beyond their control. I condemn the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz”.
According to him, “these reckless attacks have again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger. No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job”.
He cautioned against putting seafarers in danger, saying: “As long as the safety and security of crews cannot be assured, I urge flag States, shipowners, ship operators and all relevant authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait”.
Referencing the plight of thousands of seafarers who are already trapped in the volatile region, the IMO scribe said, “The situation in the region remains volatile. These attacks further intensify the fear, uncertainty and psychological strain already being endured by the nearly 6,000 seafarers who remain stranded on board vessels unable to depart the Persian Gulf safely”.
“I call on all States concerned to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of the ships still trapped in the Gulf since the crisis began. The safety of seafarers must remain our foremost priority”, he appealed.
