IMO Secretary-General: Seafarer deaths in Strait of Hormuz unacceptable

Seafarers must not be targets, says Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez after seafarer fatalities reported in Middle East.

The casualties on 6 March follow reports of two seafarer fatalities and one missing seafarer in earlier incidents in the region.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez has issued the following statement:

"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.

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, onboard 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."

For more information

IMO provides an indicative list of shipboard incidents in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz (incidents confirmed by the flag State of the relevant ship) as well as links to other resources here:  Middle East