# Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors

> UN maritime chief warns 6,000 sailors stranded as Iran accuses US of using distress channel to threaten crews.
- Title: Strait of Hormuz crisis traps 6,000 sailors · Fox News
- Summary: UN maritime chief warns 6,000 sailors stranded as Iran accuses US of using distress channel to threaten crews. UN maritime chief says 6,000 sailors remain…
- Keywords: strait of hormuz, un maritime chief, arsenio dominguez, iran, us military, vhf channel 16, seafarers, ship attacks, maritime incidents, central command, news, politics
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/world/strait-hormuz-crisis-traps-6000-sailors-attacks-ships-mount-un-maritime-chief-says
- Author: Emma Bussey
- Published: 2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: strait of hormuz, un maritime chief, arsenio dominguez, iran, us military, vhf channel 16, seafarers, ship attacks, maritime incidents, central command, news, politics
## UN maritime chief warns
UN maritime chief Arsenio Dominguez warns 6,000 sailors remain stranded near Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on commercial ships.
## 24 ships attacked in two weeks
Reports indicate 24 ships have been attacked on the waterway over roughly two weeks, according to Financial Times.
## Iran accuses US of using distress channel
Iran alleges US military used VHF Channel 16 to threaten civilian crews in Persian Gulf.
## US Central Command defends blockade
US Central Command states naval blockade has been professionally communicated to all international mariners for months.
## Seafarers at risk
Dominguez warns seafarers have continued to perish in attacks and remain trapped since conflict began.
## VHF Channel 16 used for threats
Iran claims US military used VHF Channel 16 to address seafarers in Persian with threatening language.
## Fraudulent ship registrations
Dominguez identifies fraudulent registries with false flags as major contributors to escalating risks.
## Diplomatic channels remain open
Dominguez confirms diplomatic channels with Iran remain open despite no direct contact with IRGC.
## What happens next
IMO may review regulations to strengthen safeguards against communications issues.
## Key takeaway

UN maritime chief says 6,000 sailors remain trapped near Strait of Hormuz after Iran accused US military of using VHF Channel 16 to threaten civilian crews.