Thousands of seafarers remain affected by continuing security concerns in and around the Strait of Hormuz six months after the current Middle East conflict began, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said up to 400 ships carrying around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to safely leave the Persian Gulf since the conflict started on February 28.

IMO has verified at least 70 attacks against international shipping during the crisis, resulting in the deaths of 19 seafarers. The prolonged instability has placed crews at risk and disrupted the movement of fuel, fertilizers, and other important commodities through one of the world’s major shipping routes.

To assist affected vessels, IMO previously established a voluntary evacuation framework. Between June 23 and 26, 136 vessels carrying an estimated 2,900 seafarers were evacuated from the Persian Gulf. The evacuation arrangement is currently paused because of continuing security concerns in the region.

Dominguez called for stronger cooperation among governments, the shipping industry, IMO, and the United Nations to find practical ways to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The IMO Council also reaffirmed that passage through international straits should not be threatened, impeded, or suspended, while stressing the protection of seafarers and the safe movement of international shipping.