LONDON, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on Wednesday condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and called on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions to safeguard the safety of seafarers.
In a statement, Dominguez said he regretted having to once again speak out following attacks on commercial ships and innocent seafarers caused by geopolitical circumstances beyond their control.
He condemned the attacks over the past two days against several ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying the reckless assaults had once again placed innocent seafarers in grave danger.
"No seafarer should have to risk their life simply for doing their job," he said.
Dominguez urged flag states, shipowners, operators and relevant authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary danger by transiting the Strait of Hormuz as long as the safety and security of crews cannot be assured.
He noted that the regional situation remains volatile and that the latest attacks have further intensified the fear, uncertainty and psychological strain already being endured by nearly 6,000 seafarers stranded aboard vessels unable to leave the Persian Gulf safely since the crisis began.
The IMO chief also called on all states concerned to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation without delay, and facilitate the safe departure of ships still trapped in the Gulf.
"The safety of seafarers must remain our foremost priority," he said.
In a new round of escalation of tensions beginning Tuesday, the United States has launched strikes against 80 Iranian targets, and in response, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps attacked 85 U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait. ■
