UN to Evacuate 11,000 Seafarers Stranded in Hormuz

The International Maritime Organization said it will start evacuating more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The crews have been trapped aboard commercial ships since late 2024, when attacks on merchant vessels escalated. The first group of about 2,000 seafarers will be moved to Dubai and Fujairah over the next two weeks. The remaining evacuations will happen in phases through June, the IMO said.

The operation involves the UAE, Oman, and private shipping companies. The IMO said it has secured port access and temporary housing for the crews. Many have been at sea without shore leave for six to eight months.

Shipping industry groups have pressed for a resolution since January. They warned that the prolonged confinement constitutes a humanitarian crisis. The IMO's announcement follows weeks of negotiations with regional governments and insurers over liability and security guarantees.

Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against any new tolls on vessels passing through the strait. He said such charges would face U.S. opposition. Rubio did not name the government or entity that might levy the tolls. The comment comes after Iran has periodically threatened to restrict passage in response to sanctions.

The strait handles about a fifth of global oil shipments. Any disruption would affect energy markets and raise insurance costs for Gulf shipping. The IMO said it will monitor the first phase before scheduling the remaining departures. No timeline has been set for reopening the strait to normal commercial traffic.