About 6,000 seafarers on 500 vessels remain trapped in the Gulf, according to the International Maritime Organization, after entering the region in February during what was expected to be a normal voyage.
The danger was underscored when the Minoan Pioneer, a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, was hit by an unknown projectile about 20 nautical miles north of Oman. A fire followed, and the ship’s third engineer was missing after the crew disembarked on Tuesday morning.
At a glance:
- 17 seafarers have died since hostilities began, with most deaths following Iranian strikes, according to the supplied report.
- Only 52 non-Iranian-linked vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz from 27 July to 2 August, compared with an average of about 700 weekly ship movements before the conflict.
- A further 32 Iranian-linked vessels crossed during that week, bringing total traffic to 84 vessels—just over 10% of the pre-conflict average.
- About 70 large oil and gas tankers owned by mainstream, non-sanctioned companies have been stranded in the Gulf since February, according to Lloyd’s List analysis.
| Before the conflict | 27 July–2 August | |
|---|---|---|
| Average weekly ship movements | About 700 | 84 total |
| Non-Iranian-linked vessels | Not specified | 52 |
| Share of pre-conflict average | 100% | Just over 10% |
A ship attack leaves one crew member missing
The Minoan Pioneer sent a distress signal late on Monday after an unknown projectile caused a blackout in its engine room and a fire in the accommodation area. The crew fought the fire and sought help from nearby vessels before leaving the ship on Tuesday morning.
Related coverage: Iran-Oman Talks Show Progress on Strait of Hormuz Shipping.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre is investigating and has not officially identified the projectile’s origin. Windward analysts said previous kinetic attacks at the same location had been Iranian in origin, while noting that Iran denies involvement. Two other vessels—a large oil tanker and a medium-sized tanker—reported near-misses in the preceding 24 hours.
Crews face prolonged confinement
The crews entered the Gulf in February, but ceasefire and peace efforts have not provided a lasting route out. An April ceasefire and a peace deal signed in June by Washington and Tehran both broke down soon after being announced.
Several dozen oil and gas tankers used the short opening created by the memorandum of understanding to leave, but some did not get through in time. Savio Ramos of the Maritime Union of India said the uncertainty was causing stress and compared the experience for seafarers to being held in prison.
More context: Eight shipping associations warn against Strait of Hormuz fees.
Supplies continue, but leaving is difficult
Most vessels with responsible owners are receiving fresh water, food and other goods delivered by small boats from shore. However, many crews have no way to escape the danger without replacement officers willing to enter the region.
Ramos said some union members who wanted to return home had been able to do so when other senior officers agreed to replace them. Oman has mediated talks, but a proposed arrangement would give Tehran control over traffic entering the Gulf, a change that would be unpopular with shipowners and the wider industry.
Why the wider shipping industry is watching
The IMO secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, said seafarers are trained to work at sea rather than fight and that their vessels are not prepared to defend themselves against missiles and drones. The supplied report says the largest groups among those stranded are likely to be Indian and Filipino seafarers, although a precise nationality breakdown is unavailable.
Also read: Iran Attacks Tankers in Hormuz Strait as US War Efforts Stall.
The crisis is also unfolding alongside maritime violence in the Red Sea, Iraq and the Black Sea. Lloyd’s List analysts called July one of the deadliest months ever for commercial seafarers after 24 seafarers were killed in Black Sea attacks since the start of that month.
Questions readers ask
How many seafarers are still trapped in the Gulf?
The International Maritime Organization says 6,000 seafarers remain on 500 vessels. The wider crisis has affected as many as 20,000 seafarers over the course of the conflict.
Is the Strait of Hormuz completely closed?
No. Traffic is still passing through, but at extremely low levels. From 27 July to 2 August, 84 vessels crossed, compared with an average of about 700 weekly ship movements before the conflict.
Why can’t crews simply leave the vessels?
Some seafarers have returned home when replacement senior officers were available. For many others, leaving is difficult because vessels remain in a dangerous region and replacements must be willing to enter it.
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