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IMO calls for SOLAS enforcement in Hormuz as seafarer deaths reach 25
Secretary-General cites substandard vessels and false flags adding to risks in conflict zone with 133 incidents confirmed since February.
International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called on governments to enforce international maritime regulations in the Strait of Hormuz on November 13, warning that unsafe shipping practices are compounding risks to seafarers amid ongoing conflict. The IMO has verified 133 incidents involving merchant vessels in and around the strait since February 28, with 25 seafarer fatalities confirmed as of November 10.
Substandard vessels and false flags cited#
Dominguez raised concerns about vessels transiting the waterway without complying with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. The statement identified problems including substandard vessels, concealment of IMO identification numbers by ships, operation under fraudulent registrations, use of false flags, and additional unsafe practices. Flag states, port states and coastal states were asked to address violations in their jurisdictions under international law. Dominguez urged shipowners and operators to avoid commercial activities in the strait where seafarers would face unacceptable risks.
IMO Council meeting preceded appeal#
The appeal followed a November 2 to 6 meeting of the IMO Council in London, where member states requested enhanced protections for seafarers and stated that shipping lanes must remain open, safe and secure. Attacks on merchant shipping were condemned by the Council, which asked governments to avoid unlawful measures endangering seafarers and international navigation. The IMO stated that its technical and operational regulations exist to protect seafarers, ships and the marine environment and must be respected and enforced effectively. The Council reiterated that vital shipping lanes must remain open, safe and secure.
Incident count and casualty figures#
The IMO's latest incident records show 133 confirmed incidents as of November 10, with 25 seafarer fatalities. Others remain missing or have been injured. Commercial shipping continues to face attacks in and around the strait, where the conflict has complicated commercial navigation since it began on February 28. The waterway presents security risks from ongoing hostilities, to which compliance failures now add a further layer of danger. Dominguez renewed his call for a political solution to the crisis, urging governments to restore a safe, internationally recognized framework for navigation through the strait that preserves established rights and freedoms of navigation.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- gcaptain.comgCaptainIMO Secretary-General statement on November 13, 133 incidents confirmed as of November 10, 25 seafarer fatalities, IMO Council meeting November 2-6
- maritime-executive.comThe Maritime Executive25 seafarer deaths since February, ongoing attacks on foreign-flag shipping
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Transits, closures, advisories, war risk premia and rerouting cost for Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and Suez. Same day, same shape, always numbers.