The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has condemned the recent attack on the tanker MT SETTEBELLO, which was struck by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman. This incident has left three seafarers missing and resulted in a fire onboard the vessel, which sails under the Palau flag. Dominguez expressed his deep concern for the safety of seafarers and the integrity of international shipping.
In his statement, Dominguez emphasized that any action jeopardizing the lives of seafarers is unacceptable. He extended his thoughts to the families of the missing crew members and highlighted the importance of protecting seafarers and civilian shipping. The IMO Council previously underscored the necessity of ensuring safe passage and the freedom of navigation in the region during an extraordinary session.
The Secretary-General reiterated that all actions affecting international shipping must comply with international law and prioritize the safety of life at sea. He stressed that the responsibility for seafarer protection is a collective obligation that must always be upheld. The IMO is closely monitoring the situation and has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident’s circumstances.
