The recent spike in attacks on ships and seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz has been strongly condemned by key maritime organizations. Citing 46 incidents and 14 deaths since February 2026, they stress urgent respect for international law, immediate protection for seafarers, and de-escalation to ensure maritime security and free navigation.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, condemned the attack on the tanker MT SETTEBELLO near the Strait of Hormuz, which left three seafarers missing. He stressed the importance of protecting seafarers and civilian shipping, emphasizing that actions affecting international shipping must comply with international law.
Azerbaijan reported four fatalities from a Ukrainian drone strike targeting empty grain ships in the Black Sea. This incident heightens concerns over maritime safety amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, endangering crew members and commercial shipping routes. Azerbaijan condemned the attack, calling for accountability and highlighting the region’s instability.
India has condemned the recent attack on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel off Oman, calling it “unacceptable.” The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the crew’s safety amid concerns over maritime security in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. India demands accountability and emphasizes its commitment to protecting maritime interests.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep concern over the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in four seafarers’ deaths and three injuries. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the approximately 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
Major shipping organizations, including the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO, have condemned recent attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, which resulted in seafarer fatalities. The joint statement emphasized a “callous disregard for the lives of innocent civilian seafarers” following the sinking of two ships this week.
