IMO Sec-Gen: Seafarer deaths in Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable

Following a deadly incident involving the tug Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz that reportedly claimed the lives of four seafarers, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has reiterated that seafarers must not be targets.

Escalating maritime attacks in the Middle East are raising fresh concerns for seafarers and global trade. In response to the growing threat, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have designated the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf as a Warlike Operations Area (WOA).

Adding to the list of maritime attacks in the area, on 6 March, UKMTO and maritime intelligence sources reported that a tugboat was struck by missiles while attempting to assist the abandoned containership Safeen Prestige, which had been hit by an unidentified projectile on 4 March, causing a fire in its engine room. Following reports of seafarer fatalities, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said seafarers must not be targets.

I am alarmed and deeply saddened to hear of a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 6 March 2026, in which at least four seafarers have reportedly lost their lives and three severely injured. 

…said Dominguez. 

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses,” the Secretary-General commented. 

Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, on board ships under heightened risk and considerable mental strain. 

This is unacceptable and unsustainable. All parties and stakeholders have an obligation to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law. 

…Arsenio Dominguez highlighted.

How the attack on the tugboat unfolded

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement, the incident began when the container vessel Safeen Prestige sustained damage in Omani waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

The operating company, subsequently assigned Musaffah 2, carrying seven crew members and six technicians, to conduct an inspection and undertake repair efforts. Musaffah 2 departed from Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, on the afternoon of 5 March 2026 and arrived at the location at approximately 8:00 p.m. local time.

Following an inspection, Safeen Prestige was assessed as being unable to be repaired on site due to a lack of power supply. It was therefore decided that the vessel would need to be towed. Six technicians then boarded Safeen Prestige to assist with preparations for the towing operation.

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on 6 March 2026, when the towing preparations were nearly complete, Musaffah 2 reportedly exploded, causing a fire on board, including in the bridge area. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.

Several crew members survived the incident, including one Indonesian national. However, three other Indonesian nationals who were crew members of Musaffah 2 are still reported missing. In addition, one foreign national has also been reported missing.

The casualties on 6 March follow earlier reports of two seafarer fatalities and one missing seafarer in separate incidents in the region. 

source : safety4sea