The United Nations has called upon Gulf nations to assist in evacuating approximately 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. This crisis has emerged from the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which escalated on February 28, 2026, following military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among governments, ship owners, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of these maritime workers.
Seafarers are currently facing a dire humanitarian situation, living in constant fear of missile or drone strikes from either side. Since the onset of the conflict, 17 seafarers have lost their lives. The U.N. has condemned the attacks on commercial vessels, reiterating that international humanitarian laws protect seafarers. Reports indicate that some shipowners have abandoned their crews, leaving them without essential supplies such as food and water. At least 93 seafarers across nine vessels have been left without wages or support.
Non-profit organizations are stepping in to provide basic necessities to those affected. Many seafarers are also struggling to communicate with their families, exacerbating their distress. The International Maritime Organization has noted that nearly 6,000 seafarers remain trapped on hundreds of ships in the region. Despite a brief ceasefire, the situation remains critical as hostilities resumed over control of the Strait. The ongoing conflict has turned these seafarers into collateral damage, caught in a war unrelated to their livelihoods.
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