Around 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, aboard nearly 2,000 vessels halted by the ongoing conflict in the المنطقة, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The stranded ships include oil and gas tankers, as well as cargo and cruise vessels, amid a near-total disruption of maritime traffic.

The report noted that 21 attacks on ships have been recorded as of early April, resulting in the deaths of 10 seafarers and injuries to others, fueling fear and uncertainty among crews.

On March 3, the International Transport Workers’ Federation designated the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters as a high-risk area, warning of deteriorating conditions and stressing the need to prioritize seafarers’ safety.

ITF Secretary-General Stephen Cotton described the situation as “extremely harsh,” with crews facing constant threats from drones and nearby explosions.

He added that efforts to repatriate seafarers face major challenges, as each replacement requires another crew member to take their place—an almost impossible task under current conditions and disrupted shipping operations.