6,000 seafarers trapped in Hormuz as attacks hit 24 ships in two weeks
UN maritime chief warns of 'double blockade' as 24 seafarers killed and crews remain stranded near critical chokepoint.
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the situation as “critical and does not seem to improve”, revealing that 24 ships have been attacked in the past two weeks alone.
“Until we have guarantees, I would not transit the waterway or put crews at further risk.".
The IMO’s public registry confirms 113 ship attacks or attempts as of October 15, with 24 seafarers killed since the conflict began on February 28 28. The US Navy has classified the threat level in the region as “severe“, while CENTCOM, US Central Command, has acknowledged communicating with vessels attempting to cross the strait, issuing warnings before any targeting actions.
‘Double blockade’ tightens grip on critical waterway: strait of hormuz
Tensions have further intensified over allegations surrounding the misuse of VHF Channel 16, the internationally designated maritime distress and safety frequency. Iran’s envoy to the IMO, Seyed Ali Mousavi, accused the US Navy of exploiting the channel to threaten Iranian civilian crews, claiming it was being used to “instill fear and put psychological pressure” on seafarers.
«VHF Channel 16 is for vessels or crews in distress and in need of assistance; however, that has been used by the American Navy to threaten Iranian ships and crew members.»
Seyed Ali Mousavi·Iran’s envoy to IMO
Channel 16 dispute escalates as Iran accuses US of psychological warfare
The US has directed ships seeking assistance in the strait to use Channel 16 or contact US authorities directly. Meanwhile, CENTCOM has maintained that it will continue to aid non-Iranian vessels while enforcing a blockade on Iranian ships, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran.
The latest attacks underscore the deteriorating security situation. On October 13, the Singapore-registered vessel GFS Pride was struck by a projectile and sank, though all 21 crew members were rescued. The following day, GFS Giselle, another Singapore-flagged ship, suffered hull damage and is currently undergoing repairs at an anchorage; its 22 crew members were safely evacuated.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, has indicated that Tehran is prepared to reopen the strait within a week if the US engages with its demands and works toward a diplomatic resolution.
Teherán mantiene su oferta de reabrir el estrecho en un plazo no superior a siete días, siempre que Washington atienda sus exigencias y avance en una solución diplomática. La próxima ronda de contactos entre ambas partes está prevista para dentro de 48 horas, según lo avanzado por el ministro de Exteriores iraní.
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