IMO said that 35 people have been injured in these incidents, while one person is still missing. According to the organization, an average of one incident was recorded every 2.6 days during this period. Most of these incidents have been classified as 'attacks'.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important sea lanes and is of particular importance for global oil and gas supplies. The increasing attacks here have put the safety of merchant ships, sailors and port personnel at serious risk. According to IMO data, oil tankers made up the largest number of ships affected. Apart from this, container ships and bulk carriers were also hit by incidents. Ships flying flags of different countries have been involved in these incidents.
The pace of events also changed during the crisis. A decline in the number of incidents was observed during the peace talks, but the frequency of attacks in the sea route increased again after the talks.
According to the IMO, the crisis has affected about 20,000 seafarers, port workers and offshore workers working in the region. The organization also conducted an operation to evacuate the affected people. Under this operation in June, about 2,900 sailors were evacuated safely through 136 ships.
The IMO said that the current circumstances do not reliably guarantee safe passage for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The organization stressed that the safety and protection of lives of seafarers should be the top priority amid conflict.
Hormuz is strategically important for the world's energy trade. Prolonged insecurity here could have a major impact on global oil and gas supplies, shipping costs and international trade.