| HEADLINE |
|
At least 25 sailors killed in attacks around Strait of Hormuz
Published : Monday, 9 November, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Observer Online Report
At least 25 sailors have been killed in attacks on commercial vessels around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28, while thousands remain stranded amid growing security threats and uncertainty, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The strategic waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and carried around one-fifth of the world's oil consumption before the conflict, has become one of the most dangerous shipping routes. The IMO recorded 130 confirmed incidents involving commercial vessels in the region as of November 6, with at least 31 ships reportedly attacked in October alone.
Most of those affected are civilian sailors from countries not directly involved in the conflict. Indian nationals have suffered the highest casualties, with at least 16 killed. Sailors from the Philippines and Iran have also been among those killed or injured.
The crisis has also left around 6,000 sailors aboard nearly 400 vessels stranded near the strait by late October. Prolonged isolation, uncertainty and the constant threat of attacks have heightened concerns over their mental health.
Under an agreement reached in March through the International Bargaining Forum, eligible sailors can refuse to enter designated high-risk areas and seek repatriation, with compensation provisions. However, these protections do not cover everyone.
International maritime law recognises rights of passage through international straits and provides safeguards for civilian seafarers. However, experts say enforcement remains weak, leaving thousands of sailors exposed to the consequences of a conflict in which they have no direct role.
- MaT
Loading...
Loading...
Also read
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
