In the Persian Gulf, it has been reported that approximately 1,600 ships with 20,000 seafarers have been stranded for weeks, with the crew feeling that the world has forgotten them.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), highlighted the despair experienced by seafarers, stating that he spoke with a mariner who has been stranded in the Persian Gulf for over six weeks.

Dominguez said, 'In addition to the exhaustion of the crew and the negative effects on their mental health, they feel invisible and believe they are not valued.' Addressing the international community, Dominguez stated, 'The situation is not improving. I repeat: There is no safe passage anywhere in the Strait of Hormuz.'

IMO Issues Psychological Pressure Warning

Damien Chevallier, Director of the IMO Maritime Safety Division, stated in an interview with the United Nations that it is unprecedented in modern times for so many seafarers to be stranded simultaneously.

Chevallier emphasized that the psychological pressure faced by seafarers has reached serious levels, noting that it will be difficult to attract a new generation of human resources to the sector if workers do not feel safe.

59th Day of the Hormuz Crisis

As of today, it has been noted that the Hormuz crisis has entered its 59th day, while the Red Sea crisis has reached its 890th day, with military activity in the region continuing.

Over the weekend, U.S. forces stopped the LPG carrier Sevan, which has a capacity of 39,000 cubic meters, in the Arabian Sea as part of an operation targeting Iran's 'secret fleet.'

Following the intervention of a naval helicopter, it was reported that the warship USS Pinckney took Sevan back towards Iranian waters. U.S. Central Command announced that since the blockade began, the routes of 37 vessels have been changed.

New Sanctions from the U.S.

It has been alleged that the Sevan, which is said to belong to the Dubai-based Anka Energy and Logistics company, was transporting propane and butane from Iran to Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on approximately 40 shipping companies, including China's Hengli Petrochemical, and 19 vessels on April 24.

Since February 2025, it has been reported that over 1,000 individuals, ships, and aircraft connected to Iran have been added to the sanctions list.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, 'Operation Economic Fury is applying financial pressure on the Iranian regime, limiting its aggression in the region, and helping to thwart its nuclear ambitions.'

Source: SeaNews Türkiye