Story perspectives

IMO Urges Evacuation of 20,000 Seafarers After 29 Strait Attacks

4/28/2026

Summary

Domínguez Calls Evacuation

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez called for evacuating 20,000 seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.
He reported 29 attacks that killed 10 seafarers and left water, food and fuel scarce on 1,600 ships in the eighth week.
The plan will prioritize vessels, use the 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme if attacks cease, and note aid from France and United Kingdom as the IMO prepares to brief UN Security Council on 27 April 2026.

Summary

India Repatriates Sailors

India’s shipping ministry has repatriated about 2,680 seafarers, and three Indian sailors have been killed.
Captains say crews sustain morale with conversations, small activities and internet, while shipping firms refuse to fund air-ticket repatriations, leaving sailor Ankit Yadav dependent on aid.
Fleet Management CEO Rajalingam Subramaniam says limited crew changes and refusals to board worsen the mariner shortage, while Hapag-Lloyd reports about 150 sailors stranded on six vessels.

1 of 2

Domínguez Calls Evacuation

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez called for evacuating 20,000 seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.
He reported 29 attacks that killed 10 seafarers and left water, food and fuel scarce on 1,600 ships in the eighth week.
The plan will prioritize vessels, use the 1968 Traffic Separation Scheme if attacks cease, and note aid from France and United Kingdom as the IMO prepares to brief UN Security Council on 27 April 2026.

1 / 2