Gulf Shipping Crisis Leaves 20,000 Sailors Stranded Amid Rising Attacks

Shipping routes in the Gulf have faced severe disruption over the past two months. Between 1 March and 27 April, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) recorded 41 incidents, including attacks, harassment, and near-misses. The surge in threats has forced ships to halt movement, leaving thousands of sailors stranded. The UKMTO reported 26 attacks that caused damage or injury to vessels and crew. Drones and missiles were often used in these assaults. Another four incidents involved merchant ships being harassed or blocked, while nine near-misses were logged.

The situation has grown so severe that the designated shipping lane—the traffic separation scheme—has been closed. This route was essential for safe entry and exit from the Gulf. With no safe passage, around 20,000 sailors on major merchant ships remain stuck in anchorages, unable to leave or return home.

Commander Jo Black, head of UKMTO operations, called the distress calls from attacked ships the most harrowing the centre receives. The ongoing crisis has also halted crew rotations, raising concerns about sailors’ mental health as they remain at sea indefinitely.

Meanwhile, the UKMTO warned of rising piracy off Somalia’s coast. The shift in focus towards the Strait of Hormuz has left other regions vulnerable to renewed threats. The attacks and threats have already disrupted global trade, pushing up prices for oil, food, energy, and goods. Ships remain trapped, sailors cannot rotate, and key shipping lanes stay closed. The situation continues to escalate, with no immediate resolution in sight.