Cyprus Times

19 Ships Under Cypriot Flag in the Strait of Hormuz – “No Cypriot Sailors Stranded”

Published March 18, 2026, 10:07
19 Ships Under Cypriot Flag in the Strait of Hormuz – “No Cypriot Sailors Stranded”

According to the General Secretary of OMΕPEGE-SEK, Charalambos Augustis, sailors who do not wish to travel to war zones have the right to disembark from their ships. He confirmed that there are no Cypriot sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, but there are sailors covered by OMΕPEGE-SEK contracts who are in safe locations, even on a ship that was hit. He referred to the Star Gwyneth ship, which was hit by a missile, but the crew is safe and has supplies. The company of the ship has offices in Cyprus and the workers are covered by OMΕPEGE-SEK through the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). OMΕPEGE-SEK is in contact with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping to ensure that no action needs to be taken. The ITF is participating in an emergency meeting of the International Maritime Organization, prioritizing the safety of sailors in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region. The policy for war zones has been revised, including the entire Middle East. Although the Eastern Mediterranean has not yet been included, there is a possibility of its inclusion if the war continues. Mr. Augustis stressed that the safety of sailors is the priority and that those who do not wish to travel to dangerous areas have the right to disembark. The situation is being closely monitored and measures are being taken to protect Cypriot sailors.