The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has urged States to support diplomatic efforts to evacuate around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf and establish humanitarian corridors for urgent assistance.
Speaking during a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers from more than 40 countries, hosted by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Dominguez addressed the escalating situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint.
He called on all parties to uphold the rights and freedoms of navigation, stressing that the safety and well-being of seafarers must remain a priority.
Dominguez also highlighted the need for de-escalation, advocating operational maritime solutions over military responses.
READ: IMO condemns deadly Strait of Hormuz attack on vessel
“Fragmented responses are no longer sufficient to resolve this crisis. What is urgently required is diplomatic engagement, practical and neutral solutions, and coordinated international action,” he said following the meeting.
The IMO is progressing a maritime evacuation framework focused on cooperation between coastal States, alongside security assurances and operational coordination.
The initiative aims to release stranded vessels, facilitate safe crew changes, and mitigate the risk of environmental damage.
For more information:
International Maritime Organization – https://www.imo.org/
