UN Warns of Unprecedented Crisis for Stranded Mariners in Persian Gulf

The United Nations has raised alarms about a critical situation affecting approximately 20,000 sailors stuck in the Persian Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Many of these maritime workers, primarily from developing countries, are trapped on their vessels amid commercial pressures and security threats, including drone attacks. The ongoing conflict has led to a near-total blockade, with only a handful of ships able to navigate the area, compared to over a hundred under normal circumstances. Crew members are facing severe shortages of food and water, and reports indicate that some have gone unpaid for as long as eleven months. The situation is dire, with increasing calls for repatriation and urgent humanitarian assistance.

Key Details: • Approximately 20,000 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf. • Conditions on board are deteriorating with shortages of food and water. • At least 10 sailors have died in attacks since the conflict began. • The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, impacting maritime traffic. • Crew members report threats from shipowners regarding their safety and wages.