On Day of the Seafarer, IMO pauses Strait of Hormuz evacuations

Day of the Seafarer

The ​Day of the Seafarer is observed globally on June 25 each year, providing an opportunity to recognize the essential role of seafarers in global trade and the risks they bear in sustaining it. This year, the realities of those risks are underscored by the ongoing effort to evacuate some 11,000 seafarers trapped aboard ship by the Strait of Hormuz situation,

That effort has now been paused:

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said:

“Following the launch of the IMO’s evacuation plan, through which several vessels have already been successfully evacuated, I have decided to temporarily pause its implementation in order to reconfirm that the necessary safety guarantees continue to be in place for the ships on our evacuation list and all those in the region.

“I have been informed of an attack today in the Gulf of Oman on a vessel which passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This vessel did not transit under IMO’s evacuation framework. I have always reiterated that the safety of the seafarers remains paramount. Therefore, to ensure a coordinated approach and navigational safety, the evacuation plan will be paused until further clarity is obtained.”

CARRYING THE RISKS

Under this year’s theme “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” the Day of the Seafarer campaign serves as a reminder that seafarers must never become collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts.R

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored his appreciation for the 1.8 million men and women who work at sea. In a video message, he said: 

“To all seafarers: thank you. Your work is essential to the functioning of the global economy and the daily lives of people around the world. While it may not always seem visible, your safety, security and welfare remain our highest priority.” 

He invited the global maritime community and all online audiences to join IMO’s campaign to spotlight the unseen contribution of seafarers, while acknowledging the risks, sacrifices and personal challenges that are part of the life at sea. 

In his own message, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said:

“When nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have seen tens of thousands of seafarers stranded as they work far from home to keep the world fuelled and fed… Mariners must never be the victims or pawns of geopolitical conflict.”

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