IMO Announces Evacuation Plan for 11,000 Seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

IMO Announces Evacuation Plan for 11,000 Seafarers in Strait of Hormuz
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The United Nations International Maritime Organization has announced a large-scale evacuation plan for around 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, following a peace agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at restoring maritime security in the region.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed the agreement, saying it had ended months of attacks on civilian shipping and opened the way for safe evacuation operations. He also paid tribute to 14 seafarers who lost their lives during the conflict.

According to a press release issued Tuesday, the operation is being carried out in close coordination with Iran, Oman, the United States, other coastal states, and representatives of the maritime industry.

The IMO said it had secured the necessary safety guarantees and verified conditions for safe navigation before launching the evacuation process. Oman also issued a notice to mariners outlining new safe navigation protocols in the region.

The crisis began after US and Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February, after which Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, leaving hundreds of vessels trapped in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, making the evacuation effort a major international operation for the shipping sector.