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London: At least 20 seafarers and port workers have been killed during six months of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, as commercial shipping routes continue to face intense targeting.
Data confirmed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that 68 safety and security incidents have taken place in the Gulf and adjacent waters, averaging one attack every 2.6 days.
In addition to the fatalities, 35 workers have sustained injuries and one person remains missing. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations classified 47 of these occurrences as direct attacks, with oil tankers accounting for half of all impacted vessels, followed by container ships and bulk carriers.
The intensity of maritime assaults has tracked closely with diplomatic efforts. Incident rates dropped significantly during peace negotiations held between mid-June and early July, resulting in zero reported casualties.
However, following the breakdown of talks, violent strikes resumed at near-peak frequencies. Commercial ships flying flags from Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands have suffered the highest number of incidents amid ongoing hostilities between Iran, the US, and Israel in the crucial energy shipping lane.
Pic Credit: AFP
