Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors as attacks on ships mount, UN maritime chief says

STRAIT OF HORMUZ CRISIS TRAPS 6,000 SAILORS AS ATTACKS ESCALATE, UN MARITIME CHIEF CABLES

Thousands of sailors remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on commercial ships, the United Nations’ top maritime official warns Sunday after Iran accused the U.S. military of using an international emergency radio channel to threaten civilian crews.

Reports indicate that 24 vessels have been struck over roughly two weeks, underscoring mounting concerns about maritime safety in the region, according to the Financial Times.

“The situation continues to be severe and critical regarding international shipping,” declared Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary‑General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), speaking to Fox News Digital.

‘VAST MAJORITY’ OF IRAN’S ATTEMPTED ATTACKS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ ARE UNSUCCESSFUL, CENTCOM SPOKESMAN SAYS

24 ships have been attacked on the waterway over roughly two weeks, according to reports. (Fatemeh Bahrami / Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Seafarers have continued to perish in these attacks and around 6,000 seafarers remain trapped since the beginning of the conflict,” he warned, adding that his message was not to transit the Strait of Hormuz or expose crew members to risk until guarantees were assured.

Dominguez’s warning followed an October 9 letter filed with the IMO in which Iran alleged that U.S. military forces kept VHF Channel 16—an internationally recognized distress and safety communication frequency—occupied for extended periods to intimidate Iranian personnel in the Persian Gulf.

“VHF Channel 16 has been repeatedly held by U.S. naval forces operating in the Gulf for prolonged durations,” the correspondence stated.

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Smoke column rises from tanker El Gaia after incident in the Strait of Hormuz.

“During such transmissions, Iranian seafarers have been addressed in Persian with threatening, abusive, and provocative language, and in some cases ordered to abandon their vessels.”

In a communique to Fox News Digital, U.S. Central Command defense reinforced its longstanding naval blockade of Iranian ports.

“The U.S. naval blockade has been implemented for months and is consistently communicated to all international mariners,” CENTCOM asserted.

“Vessels that disregard this command receive multiple warnings, providing sufficient opportunity to comply.”

“American forces remain highly vigilant, focused, and professional while strictly enforcing the naval blockade against Iran.”

The allegation was submitted by Tehran’s ambassador to the IMO and relayed to member states on October 9, according to Fox News Digital’s review.

Further accusations cited civilian ships, commercial carriers, and maritime operators who provided conflicting narratives without substantiating specific transcriptions or audio evidence. Independent verification by Fox News Digital was not possible.

IRAN THREATENS TO HALT RED SEA TRAFFIC IN RESPONSE TO U.S. MILITARY BLOCKADE OF PORTS

Naval units from Iran simulate rescuing a hijacked vessel during joint drills at the Port of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan, Iran, on February 19, 2026. (Iranian Army/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Crew members are untrained for combat duties, and no conflicts originating globally are attributable to them,” Dominguez emphasized.

He noted that such interference with Channel 16, intended solely for safety communications, represents “psychological pressure” directed at non‑combatants.

Iran also requested that the IMO elevate its complaints among member states and relevant global bodies, including the International Telecommunication Union.

Dominguez indicated that the IMO could evaluate its regulations and procedural safeguards to determine whether additional protective measures are warranted, though no formal investigative commission was convened.

“Our mandate at the IMO is to examine technical and operational matters whenever such occurrences arise, clarifying regulatory frameworks within member state authority,” he remarked, stressing that states retain equal standing to voice grievances irrespective of active hostilities.

“We carry a responsibility—and I bear a duty—to circulate the documents submitted by nations when they themselves experience impact.”

WHO CONTROLS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ RIGHT NOW? HERE IS WHAT THE SHIP TRAFFIC ACTUALLY SHOWS

The U.S. naval blockade has been instituted for months and is systematically conveyed to every international mariner, (U.S. Navy)

“Information gathered is examined collectively at organizational briefings and discussed accordingly,” added Dominguez.

“If evidence demonstrates that rule refinements or enhanced operational guidance are required to prevent communication disruptions—or to clarify proper usage of these channels—these duties fall under IMOs jurisdiction,” he clarified.

The IMO reported 100 confirmed maritime incidents across the region by October 9, with 24 seafarers deceased since the conflict began on February 28.

“Additionally, the IMO has recorded a rise in fraudulent ship registrations and false flags that facilitate dangerous activities; commercial entities are effectively forced to operate as auxiliary freighters to circumvent obstruction,” Dominguez explained.

“Irresponsible shipowners assume these hazards to continue trade and movement of cargoes.”

WHITE HOUSE SILENT ON IRAN‑OMAN HORMUZ PLAN TEHRAN SAYS WOULD BAN US WARSHIPS

A vessel transits the Strait of Hormuz during a two‑week temporary cessation between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)

“Any individual vessel targeted or any loss of seafarer life constitutes a critical concern for me; each matter holds significant importance.”

Despite the tension, Dominguez reaffirmed that diplomatic routes with Iran persist, though he maintains no direct channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“Communication remains open with all IMO member states, including the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.

“Conversations with the IRGC succeed through existing channels; their responses confirm ongoing dialogue. Yet final decision‑making stalls due to the ongoing conflict.”

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Emma Bussey contributed this report. Prior to joining Fox, she served at The Telegraph with the U.S. night shift team, covering foreign affairs, politics, news, sport, and culture.

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