The International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has reported that the fatalities of seafarers since the onset of conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz have reached 25. This crisis, which has arisen due to escalating tensions in the region, has also put thousands of other seafarers at risk, including crew members of ships unable to leave the Persian Gulf.
Attacks on Commercial Vessels
In a statement released on Friday, November 15, the organization confirmed at least 130 attacks against commercial vessels. However, data available on a separate incident reporting page of the organization indicates that as of November 6, 129 attacks have been recorded.
Read more: The Capital Planning Commission Approved Trump's Victory Arch Project
Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of the organization, recently reported in his closing speech at the council meeting that a Filipino seafarer from the tanker "Velos Sapphire" has been killed. This tanker, flying the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked on November 5, which Dominguez stated resulted in the death of one of its crew members.
Details of the Tanker Attack
According to sources, the Greek company managing the tanker has stated that the vessel, en route to Bahrain and without cargo, suffered an explosion likely caused by a missile strike. The crew managed to extinguish the fire, and the body of the seafarer who was initially reported missing was found on board. Other crew members were unharmed, and no marine pollution has been reported.
Following this incident, the tanker was transferred to the port of Khalifa bin Salman in Bahrain for investigations into the event. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization's statement did not mention the perpetrator of the attack on this vessel.
Humanitarian Consequences of the Crisis
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, further warned that the consequences of these conflicts for seafarers are not limited to death and injury. He stated that seafarers are facing issues such as abandonment, deprivation of return to their home countries, and difficulties accessing water, food, and medical services.
The council of the organization, in its meeting from November 2 to 6 in London, emphasized that vital shipping routes must remain open and secure. Additionally, the council called for the protection of seafarers, regardless of nationality, in geopolitical disputes over which they have no control.
The council also strongly condemned the attacks by the Houthis of Yemen on commercial vessels and their crews in the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. The Secretary-General pledged to consider further practical measures to prevent casualties and reduce the human cost of the crisis.
Read more: School Bus Accident in Eastern France Leaves Several Injured · Attack on Tanker Carrying 27 Indian Sailors in the Strait of Hormuz
