LONDON, November 3 – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has warned ships against using the Strait of Hormuz, saying the important shipping route remains unsafe because mines may still be present.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the organisation has not received confirmation that mines have been cleared from the designated shipping lanes.
He delivered the warning during a question-and-answer session at the IMO headquarters in London on Monday.
Conflicting Claims Over Mine Clearance
The warning comes amid conflicting statements from Iran and the United States over the security situation in the strait.
Iran has claimed that some vessels were hit by mines after entering routes it described as unauthorised.
However, the US Central Command has rejected those claims. It has said mines were cleared from the international shipping lanes.
Dominguez said the IMO could not independently confirm that the designated routes were free of mines.
He stressed that the organisation could not guarantee safe passage for ships while uncertainty remained.
Alternative Shipping Routes Not Approved by IMO
The official traffic separation scheme, which guides vessels through the strait, is currently not operating.
Some ships have continued using alternative routes. These include waters north of the strait under Iranian control and routes near the Omani coast with US naval escorts.
However, Dominguez said the IMO had not approved these arrangements.
Therefore, the organisation could not assure shipping operators that these routes were safe.
Attacks on Ships Raise Security Concerns
Dominguez also reported attacks involving unidentified projectiles against vessels in the region.
Investigating these incidents remains difficult because of the ongoing conflict. Authorities have not been able to establish whether some attacks involved mines, drones or missiles.
The IMO recorded around 30 attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters during October.
Some incidents also caused oil spills and other forms of pollution.
Thousands of Seafarers Remain in the Gulf
The security situation continues to affect thousands of maritime workers.
According to Dominguez, around 6,000 seafarers remain aboard approximately 350 to 400 ships in the Gulf region.
The IMO is working with regional governments, the International Transport Workers’ Federation and other organisations to support those affected.
Assistance includes essential supplies, medical care, mental health support and help with communication between seafarers and their families.
The IMO has reiterated that protecting seafarers must remain the priority while shipping risks in the region continue.
Source : AWANI | Rewritten By Minutesmy
