Maritime trade bodies warn of citizens being caught in Iranian crossfire

Oliver Dean | 12th March 2026 | International, Trade Associations

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major choke point in the ongoing Iranian conflict (Photo by Space Frontiers/Archive Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

As the Iranian conflict continues, maritime trade bodies have warned of the significant loss of human life thus far.

Three more commercial vessels were struck by projectiles in and around the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed total of attacks on merchant shipping to 13 since the Iran war began less than a fortnight ago. For the industry body representing the world's ocean carriers, the moment is of incredible significance. World Shipping Council President and CEO Joe Kramek said, "Around 20,000 seafarers on vessels operating in the Middle East are facing a dangerous and highly uncertain security situation. Several seafarers have already lost their lives. Seafarers are not part of this conflict, yet they are increasingly caught in its path." The loss of human life is becoming difficult to ignore. The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree was struck and set ablaze in the strait on Wednesday after departing a UAE port. 20 of the 23-large crew were rescued by the Omani Navy. However, three remain unaccounted for and are believed trapped in the engine room. The International Maritime Organization...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.