A major international evacuation effort has been launched to assist more than 11,000 seafarers stranded aboard commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz following weeks of regional tensions that disrupted maritime operations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency responsible for global shipping, announced the humanitarian initiative in partnership with Oman. The operation aims to safely rotate and evacuate thousands of crew members who have been unable to leave their vessels because of security concerns and disruptions caused by recent conflict in the region.
According to the IMO, many seafarers have remained at sea far beyond their scheduled contracts, with some unable to access shore leave or crew-change facilities. The prolonged uncertainty has raised concerns about their physical and mental wellbeing, prompting calls for urgent international action.
The evacuation plan comes after a period of heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most strategically important shipping routes. The waterway serves as a critical corridor for global oil, gas and cargo shipments, and disruptions there have affected maritime traffic and crew movements.
Under the coordinated plan, Oman will play a central role in facilitating safe transit, temporary accommodation and transportation arrangements for affected seafarers. International shipping companies, port authorities and humanitarian organisations are also expected to assist in the operation.
Officials said the initiative is focused on ensuring that stranded crew members can safely return home while replacement personnel are deployed to maintain essential shipping operations. The effort is being described as one of the largest maritime crew-relief exercises undertaken in the region in recent years.
The announcement follows signs of improving stability in the region after recent diplomatic progress helped ease fears of further disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities hope the evacuation effort will not only provide relief to thousands of affected sailors but also help restore confidence across the global maritime sector.
Also Read: President Draupadi Murmu honours 65 Padma awardees
