Bulgarian prosecutors ordered DNA tests after human remains were found aboard Wine Trader in Varna. The discovery follows October drone attacks on commercial vessels off Romania and Bulgaria.
A survey with more than 900 seafarer responses identified staffing and training gaps, while InterManager called for simpler procedures, better rescue arrangements and wider sharing of accident findings.
IMO has verified 80 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz since 28 February, with at least 22 seafarers killed and many others injured.
The IMO has condemned recent attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, urging shipowners and authorities to avoid exposing seafarers to unnecessary risks while around 6,000 crew members remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.
The IMO opened its 137th Council session in London with maritime security, Strait of Hormuz risks and renewed piracy concerns in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden high on the agenda.
The International Maritime Organization said about 3,200 ships carrying around 20,000 seafarers are confined west of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of an emergency council meeting in London on 18–19 March 2026 as attacks on merchant vessels continue across the Gulf region.
