Since the United States and Israel initiated their conflict with Iran nine months ago, over 25 seafarers have lost their lives in attacks on commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial shipping corridor has become a dangerous passage due to repeated attacks on oil, gas, and other goods transporting ships. On Sunday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported explosions and severe fires on three unauthorized oil tankers in the strait. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recorded these seafarer deaths since February 28, with many hailing from India, one of the world’s largest providers of merchant sailors. The ICS, a shipping trade association and advocacy group, expressed concern over the safety of civilian crews, their ability to refuse dangerous assignments, and the protections available under international law. Attacks on shipping have involved missiles, projectiles, and naval mines that have damaged vessels, set them ablaze, or sunk them. The IMO has reported at least 129 incidents since the conflict started. The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global shipping, as it connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, with one-fifth of global oil consumption passing through it before the war. Iran essentially closed the strait after the US-Israeli attacks began, warning ships without authorization could be targeted. Meanwhile, Washington has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The victims are primarily civilian merchant sailors working on oil tankers, cargo ships, and other commercial vessels from various countries, including India, which has suffered particularly heavy losses. In June, three Indian sailors were killed in US strikes on commercial vessels near Oman, prompting New Delhi to summon a senior American diplomat. In October alone, at least 31 vessels were hit, and the latest incidents have raised concerns about the safety of civilian crews, their ability to refuse dangerous assignments, and the protections available under international law.