MSC Cruises has proposed evacuating stranded seafarers from commercial vessels stuck in the waters of the Middle East. The cruise company suggests using its own cruise ships which are also stranded in the region to ferry the sailors to safety. Negotiations on the proposal are ongoing.
Five Malta-flagged cruise vessels namely Aroya, MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery, Mein Schiff 4, Mein Schiff 5 and one Bermuda-flagged crusie vessel Celestyal Journey are currently in the Gulf water.
MSC Cruises announced the idea on 14 April at an industry event in Miami Beach. The company is coordinating talks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). MSC has clarified that the situation remains fluid, and any outcome will depend largely on the security clearances required for the vessels to exit the Persian Gulf.
A large number of seafarers remain stranded aboard anchored commercial ships, unable to leave the region amid the ongoing conflict between US-Iran. The cruise vessels together could accommodate around 17,000 people, potentially enabling the safe transport of many seafarers out of the area.
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