The International Maritime Organization said up to 20,000 seafarers have been stranded on about 2,000 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the war on Iran began.
The ships include oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers, cargo vessels and cruise liners, with the agency reporting at least 19 attacks that have killed 10 seafarers and injured eight others.
“There is no precedent for the stranding of so many seafarers in the modern age,” said Damien Chevallier.
“IMO has called on all parties to the conflict to de-escalate the attacks so that the seafarers can be evacuated to safety.”
