IMO: Fatal incidents in the Middle East cost several seafarer lives

March 10 ------ The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has expressed deep concern over the wellbeing and safety of seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz, as escalating tensions and ongoing disruptions in the region continue to affect maritime activity.

According to the organization, approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently impacted, alongside cruise ship passengers, port workers, and offshore crews. While the disruption to global trade through one of the world’s most strategic shipping corridors remains significant, the IMO stressed that its primary concern is the humanitarian and safety implications for seafarers working on vessels transiting the area.

In a series of confirmed incidents reported in early March, several fatalities and injuries have been recorded across multiple ships operating in the region.

The most severe incident occurred on March 6 aboard the vessel MUSSAFAH 2 (IMO 9522051), where four seafarers lost their lives and three others sustained severe injuries.

On March 1, a separate incident involving the vessel STENA IMPERATIVE (IMO 9666077) resulted in the death of a shipyard worker, while two additional shipyard workers were seriously injured.

Also on March 1, a fatality was reported aboard MKD VYOM (IMO 9284386), where one seafarer lost their life.

Another incident the same day involved the vessel SKYLIGHT (IMO 9330020), where four seafarers were injured, one seafarer was confirmed dead, and another remains missing.

IMO has provided a table with all confirmed incidents as of March 6:

• 6 March - Vessel MUSSAFAH 2 (IMO 9522051) at 6 NM north of Oman - Four seafarer fatalities. Three severely injured.

• 5 March - Vessel SONANGOL NAMIBE (IMO 9325049) at 30 NM south east of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Kuwait - Hull breach. No injuries.

• 4 March - Vessel SAFEEN PRESTIGE (IMO 9593517) at 2 NM north of Oman - Hull damage above waterline. No injuries.

• 3 March - Vessel GOLD OAK (IMO 9806342) at 7 NM east of Fujairah, UAE - Steel plating damage. No injuries.

• 3 March - Vessel LIBRA TRADER (IMO 9562673) at 10 NM east of Fujairah, UAE - Minor damage. No injuries.

• 1 March - Vessel STENA IMPERATIVE (IMO 9666077) at berth, Port of Bahrain - One shipyard worker fatality. Two shipyard workers seriously injured.

• 1 March - Vessel HERCULES STAR (IMO 9916135) at 17 NM NW of Mina Saqr, UAE - Fire on board. No injuries.

• 1 March - Vessel MKD VYOM (IMO 9284386) at 52 NM NW of Muscat, Oman - One seafarer fatality.

• 1 March - Vessel SKYLIGHT (IMO 9330020) at 5 NM N of Khasab, Oman - Four seafarers injured. One seafarer fatality. One seafarer missing.

"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses," said the Secretary-General in his statement.

Source: safety4sea.com