Hormuz Strait: Multiple Countries Propose Establishment of a Maritime Safety Corridor to Evacuate Around 20,000 Stuck Seafarers
The United Nations agency responsible for maritime transport proposed on Wednesday, March 18, a suggestion to establish a maritime safety corridor to enable around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf region due to the Iranian conflict to evacuate.
Since Tehran threatened to attack ships attempting to leave the Gulf through the Hormuz Strait, hundreds of vessels have been waiting in place.
This proposal was put forward by Bahrain, Japan, Panama, Singapore, and the UAE, and has received support from the United States, suggesting "the establishment of a mechanism, such as a maritime safety corridor."
The proposal was submitted at the meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, located in London. The proposal stated, "The framework aims to promote the safe evacuation of merchant ships," and "this measure is intended to protect the lives of seafarers."
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said during the meeting that at least seven commercial ship seafarers had died in the conflict. He said, "They should not become victims of the broader geopolitical tensions." He called for de-escalation of the situation so that seafarers could safely leave the Gulf region.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that NATO countries are also studying measures that can be taken.
US President Trump called on countries to assist in ensuring the safety of the strait to ensure oil tankers and other vessels can enter and exit. In another notice submitted to the IMO, Iran stated that Iranian authorities are still providing humanitarian aid and support to ships and seafarers in the Gulf and the Hormuz Strait. The IMO Council meeting will continue on Thursday.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860036741075979/
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