Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors as attacks on ships mount, UN maritime chief says

The UN’s maritime chief says about 6,000 seafarers remain trapped near the Strait of Hormuz, with attacks on commercial vessels making conditions “severe and critical”. He urged ships not to transit the strait until their crews can be protected, highlighting the risks to civilian sailors amid the conflict.

The warning followed reports that 24 ships had been attacked in roughly two weeks. Iran alleged that US forces used VHF Channel 16, an international maritime safety channel, to threaten Iranian crews, but provided no recordings or specific details and the claims could not be independently verified. The US military said it communicates blockade enforcement professionally and gives vessels multiple warnings; the International Maritime Organization may review whether its rules need stronger safeguards.