On the 24th the International Maritime Organization issued operational rules for
a staged evacuation of more than 11,000 seafarers aboard vessels stranded in the
Gulf under a unified coordination mechanism. The IMO said all vessels awaiting
evacuation must remain in place and must not transit into the Strait of Hormuz
or designated holding areas until further notice. The move is intended to
prevent channel congestion and reduce risks from sea mines and complex
navigation. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the French‑led Indian Ocean
Maritime Information Centre (MICACentre) will contact affected ships and direct
them to designated holding areas; vessels may then, based on their own risk
assessments, choose a northern route via Iranian waters or a southern route via
Omani waters under US coordination to exit the Strait.
