Around 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers are stranded in the Gulf as the Middle East war escalates, according to the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the wider Gulf have now been declared a “warlike operations area,” raising global concerns over maritime safety and energy supply routes.

LONDON, United Kingdom — The IMO confirmed on Thursday that thousands of crew members and cruise passengers remain trapped at sea due to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez said, “The IMO is ready to work with all stakeholders to help ensure the safety and well-being of the seafarers affected.”

The maritime sector has designated the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf as a warlike operations area, granting seafarers additional protections under international law. This designation underscores the severity of the situation, as the region is a critical energy transit route for global oil and gas shipments.

Since the outbreak of hostilities last weekend, the IMO has recorded at least seven incidents involving commercial vessels, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. These incidents highlight the growing risks faced by ships navigating the region, where military clashes have disrupted normal maritime traffic.

Cruise ships, which have become increasingly common in the United Arab Emirates and neighboring Gulf states due to booming tourism, are now immobilized. The 15,000 passengers aboard these vessels face uncertainty as ports remain closed or unsafe for docking.

The crisis has raised alarms among shipping companies, insurers, and governments worldwide. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption in the Gulf could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and energy markets, given the region’s strategic importance. The IMO has urged cooperation among regional powers and international stakeholders to secure safe passage for stranded vessels.

For the seafarers and passengers caught in the middle of the conflict, the situation remains precarious. Humanitarian concerns are mounting as crews face extended deployments without relief, and passengers endure prolonged confinement aboard cruise ships. The IMO has pledged to coordinate with governments and shipping firms to facilitate safe evacuations once conditions allow.

This development underscores how quickly regional conflicts can ripple across global supply chains and civilian travel, leaving thousands vulnerable at sea. The unfolding crisis in the Gulf is now a test of international maritime coordination and the resilience of global trade routes.