IMO warns against Hormuz transits as 6,000 seafarers remain stranded

“The situation continues to be severe and critical when it comes to international shipping,” Dominguez said, adding that the region was experiencing a double blockade and an increase in attacks on vessels.

He warned that seafarers continued to lose their lives and reiterated his position that ships should avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz until their safety could be assured. The warning followed reports of 24 attacks on vessels in the waterway over approximately two weeks, according to the Financial Times.

Iran raises concerns over misuse of VHF Channel 16

Dominguez’s comments came after Iran submitted a letter to the IMO on October 9, alleging that US military forces had repeatedly used VHF Channel 16 to transmit threatening messages to Iranian seafarers in the Persian Gulf.

Channel 16 is internationally designated for maritime distress, safety and calling communications. To remind, according to Iran’s letter, US military personnel had occupied the channel for prolonged periods, addressing Iranian crews in Persian using threatening and provocative language and, in some cases, urging them to abandon their vessels.

US Central Command defended its enforcement of the naval blockade of Iranian ports in a statement to Fox News Digital. The report did not establish whether the alleged misuse of Channel 16 had occurred.

Addressing the wider issue, Dominguez emphasized that seafarers should not be exposed to military threats or drawn into armed conflicts. “Seafarers are not trained for combat, and they are not guilty of any conflicts that are happening around the world,” he said.

The IMO chief also highlighted the importance of preserving VHF Channel 16 for its intended maritime safety purposes, warning that communications perceived as threatening could undermine its function.

Iran has requested that the IMO raise its concerns with member states and relevant international organizations, potentially including the International Telecommunication Union.

IMO may examine maritime communication safeguards

Dominguez said the IMO could examine whether additional technical or operational measures were necessary to prevent the misuse of maritime communication channels. However, he did not announce a formal investigation or propose specific amendments to existing regulations.

According to Dominguez, the organization has a responsibility to circulate concerns submitted by member states and consider whether its regulatory framework requires clarification or improvement.

He emphasized that all IMO member states have equal rights to raise maritime safety concerns, regardless of their involvement in ongoing conflicts.

False-flag operations add to regional shipping risks

Beyond the immediate security threats, Dominguez raised concerns over an increase in fraudulent ship registrations and vessels operating under false flags in the region. He said some vessels were being used as shuttle tankers to transport cargo into and out of the affected area, despite the heightened security risks.

Furthermore, the IMO Sec-Gen says that these operations were contributing to the escalation of maritime incidents, with some shipowners continuing to trade despite the dangers facing their crews.

IMO records 100 maritime incidents and 24 fatalities

According to IMO data cited in the report, 100 official maritime incidents had been confirmed across the region as of October 9, 2026, with 24 seafarers killed since the conflict began on February 28. Dominguez stressed that every attack on a commercial vessel and every seafarer fatality represented a serious concern for the organization.

Despite the continuing confrontation, he confirmed that diplomatic communication channels between the IMO and Iran remained open.

The remarks underline the continuing risks to merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly as seafarers remain stranded, commercial vessels face attacks and maritime safety communications become part of the wider regional confrontation.