The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is set to launch an evacuation operation for more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, the London-based UN agency announced on Tuesday. The large-scale plan follows months of hardship for innocent seafarers and comes after a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.
Operation Details and Cooperation
The evacuation will be carried out in cooperation with Iran, Oman, other coastal states, the United States, and the maritime industry. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the agency has secured necessary safety guarantees and verified conditions for safe navigation.
Tribute to Lost Lives
Dominguez paid tribute to 14 seafarers who lost their lives during the most recent escalation of the Middle East conflict. He underlined that the IMO remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade.
Humanitarian Impact
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the operation represents a significant step towards easing the “humanitarian impact on thousands of seafarers who have faced months of uncertainty, restricted movement and mounting welfare concerns”.
