The international association of dry cargo shipowners (INTERCARGO) has expressed its deep sorrow over the death of a seafarer of the Greek-owned bulk carrier Minoan Dignity. The seafarer lost his life following an attack on the Liberian-flagged vessel (2004-built) on August 17, 2026, while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“INTERCARGO is deeply saddened by reports that a seafarer on board the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Dignity lost his life following an attack on the vessel while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 17 August 2026,” the association said in a statement Tuesday.

INTERCARGO extended its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues and loved ones, while expressed its deep concern for the fate of the remaining crew members and its hope that they can be evacuated safely.

As the international association pointed out, behind every vessel caught up in conflict are seafarers: civilians who carry out their professional duties far from their homes and families, keeping global trade moving.

“Seafarers are civilians and must never become targets or collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts,” INTERCARGO stressed.

At the same time, it called on all parties involved to respect international law and ensure the protection of seafarers and merchant vessels. Human life at sea, it stressed, must remain above any political or military considerations.

“One seafarer lost is one too many,” INTERCARGO’s statement concluded.

Iran-Oman talks on new Hormuz route separate from reopening: Iranian FM Araghchi says

Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains near a standstill amid attacks on merchant ships. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Iran’s negotiations with Oman remained ongoing to determine a new maritime route through Hormuz.

In his comments, he said: “Our negotiations with Oman are ongoing. That is a completely separate matter. It is a technical issue concerning the designation of maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz for the passage of ships.”

He explained that because the former transit routes are no longer functional, a new navigation path must be established.

“For now, we are designing a temporary route, which can then, at a later stage, be turned into a final route,” he said.

While expressing optimism that an agreement could be reached soon, Araghchi emphasised that establishing a new maritime channel does not automatically signal the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“This is a technical work that is being done between the experts of the two countries. We may reach an outcome soon, but it is important to emphasize that these negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are two separate issues.”

“Once this route has been determined, whether the Strait will be reopened or not will depend on the fulfilment of other conditions to which the United States must adhere,” Araghchi stated.

The full statement of INTERCARGO

“INTERCARGO is deeply saddened by reports that a seafarer on board the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier MINOAN DIGNITY lost his life following an attack on the vessel while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 17 August 2026.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family, colleagues and loved ones. We also express our profound concern for the remaining crew and hope for their safe evacuation.

“Behind every vessel caught up in conflict are seafarers – civilians carrying out their professional duties, far from their homes and families, who keep global trade moving.

“INTERCARGO reiterates its fundamental position: seafarers are civilians and must never become targets or collateral victims of geopolitical conflicts.

“We once again call on all parties to respect international law and to safeguard civilian seafarers and merchant vessels. The protection of human life at sea must remain above political and military considerations.

“One seafarer lost is one too many.”