The escalating conflict around the Strait of Hormuz has rapidly evolved into one of the most serious maritime security crises in recent years, placing thousands of civilian seafarers directly in harm’s way. As hostilities spread across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, merchant shipping has increasingly become a target, prompting strong reactions from international maritime organisations and emergency discussions at the global regulatory level.
Growing attacks on merchant shipping
Since the outbreak of hostilities on 28 February 2026, attacks on commercial shipping have intensified across the region. Merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters have been struck by projectiles, explosive boats, drones and other weapons.
Industry and security reports indicate that between 16 and 17 merchant vessels have been hit since the crisis began, with several suffering fires or severe damage and some being temporarily abandoned.
Among the vessels attacked were:
- The tanker Safesea Vishnu, struck by explosive boats in Iraqi waters.
- The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which caught fire after being hit by projectiles.
- The container ship ONE Majesty and the tanker Star Gwyneth, both damaged in strikes near the Strait.
These incidents highlight the widening geographical spread of the threat, affecting shipping across the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and northern Persian Gulf.
Seafarer casualties and humanitarian impact
Civilian seafarers have borne the human cost of the crisis. According to maritime authorities and industry sources:
- At least 6–7 seafarers have been confirmed killed, with several others seriously injured.
- Other reports suggest around 10–11 seafarers killed or missing since the conflict began.
- Several crew members have also been injured or temporarily trapped during shipboard fires and explosions.
In one of the deadliest incidents, four seafarers were killed and three severely injured in an attack on a merchant vessel on 6 March 2026, prompting strong condemnation from international regulators.
Beyond casualties, the crisis has left around 20,000 seafarers stranded on vessels in the Gulf region, many facing prolonged exposure to war-risk conditions, disrupted crew changes and severe mental stress.
IMO: “Seafarers must not be targets”
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has repeatedly condemned the attacks and warned of the growing humanitarian impact on crews.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez described the deaths as “deeply saddening” and stressed that seafarers must never become targets in geopolitical conflict.
The IMO also highlighted the scale of the crisis affecting crews and maritime trade, noting that tens of thousands of seafarers and thousands of vessels are operating under severe security risks across the Gulf.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating situation, the IMO will convene an Extraordinary Session of the IMO Council on 18–19 March 2026 to address the impacts of the crisis on international shipping and the safety and welfare of seafarers.
The emergency meeting is expected to focus on:
- Protection of seafarers in conflict zones
- Freedom of navigation and maritime security
- Coordination between governments and industry
- Humanitarian and welfare support for affected crews
Industry organisations condemn attacks
Major maritime labour and professional organisations have strongly condemned the targeting of merchant ships and their crews.
ITF – seafarers placed “directly in harm’s way”
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has warned that civilian maritime workers are again being forced into conflict zones “not of their making.”
Following escalating attacks, the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf were designated a Warlike Operations Area (WOA) under the International Bargaining Forum framework.
This designation triggers:
- Enhanced risk compensation for seafarers
- The right for seafarers to refuse transit
- Additional contractual protections for crews
Calls from shipping organisations
Shipping industry bodies have also urged all parties to protect merchant shipping and safeguard crews.
Industry groups stressed that seafarers are “simply doing their jobs” and should not be exposed to military risks while maintaining global trade flows.
Professional associations representing shipmasters and maritime managers — including organisations such as IFSMA and industry initiatives supporting maritime security and corridors like IMEC — have echoed similar concerns, calling for stronger protection mechanisms and coordinated international naval security for commercial shipping.
Maritime trade disruption
The crisis threatens one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption immediately felt in global energy markets and shipping operations.
As attacks intensified:
- Tanker traffic through the strait fell sharply.
- Some operators began rerouting cargo or suspending voyages.
- War-risk insurance costs surged.
In parallel, electronic navigation interference and GPS disruption have been reported across the region, further complicating navigation for commercial vessels.
Support and protection for seafarers
Maritime organisations and welfare groups are calling for urgent measures to support affected crews, including:
- Access to emergency welfare and communication support
- Psychological and mental-health assistance
- Adequate war-risk insurance and compensation
- Protection of crew change and evacuation routes
- International naval coordination to protect shipping
The crisis has renewed global discussion about the vulnerability of civilian seafarers operating in conflict zones — a workforce that underpins global trade but often receives limited protection during geopolitical crises.
A mounting humanitarian and maritime security challenge
With attacks continuing and thousands of seafarers still operating in high-risk waters, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz represents both a maritime security emergency and a humanitarian challenge for the global shipping industry.
The upcoming Extraordinary IMO Council session on 18–19 March is expected to play a critical role in shaping the international response, as governments and industry leaders seek urgent solutions to protect seafarers and restore confidence in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors.