Uncertainty continues regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz

“We are aware of the report but do not have further details. We continue to urge vessels to exercise maximum caution in the area,” UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) said, as it seeks to verify a series of recent attacks and security alerts issued against commercial vessels.

According to internationally recognized maritime safety portal UKMTO, a tanker was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile north of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on May 4, while a bulk carrier was attacked by several small vessels near Iran a day earlier.

Other ships in the area have been instructed by radio to leave their anchorages, reflecting uncertain security conditions.

Since the end of February, at least 41 incidents involving vessels operating in and around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman have been reported to UKMTO.

Iran claimed on Monday that it had rammed a US naval vessel, preventing it from entering the strait, but the US denied there had been any attack. On Sunday evening, President Donald Trump posted that the US would help ships stranded there for months leave the strait.

UN response

IMO, the UN maritime agency, is working with the shipping industry on emergency planning, including possible safe evacuation frameworks for ships and crew trapped in conflict zones.

Around 800 vessels involved in international trade – including oil tankers, bulk carriers and container ships – could potentially be involved in the evacuation, carrying energy supplies and essential commodities.

With an average of 25 crew members per ship, this means around 20,000 seafarers are directly at risk.

Escort, no solution

“Everyone – sailors – on board any ship in the Persian Gulf region is vulnerable to any escalation of conflict.” The IMO warned, noting risks from missiles, falling debris, and potential shortages of food and water on board.

Although some crew changes and repatriations have been carried out – with the help of around 450 sailors – tens of thousands of sailors are still at sea, as the wider fleet in the region numbers almost 3,000 vessels of all types.

The maritime body also said that naval escort alone could not provide a long-term solution, and called for de-escalation and a long-term agreement to ensure safe navigation.

“Navy escorts are not a sustainable solution, true de-escalation and long-term agreements that guarantee the safety of seafarers are the only way forward,” he said.