Salvors prepare for war-zone ship response

Salvors responding to damaged ships could face danger from Iranian missiles and drones, limiting the viability of what can be achieved while the war continues. 

ISU president Leendert Muller said wars are “casting shadows over our industry” as he addressed the association’s members.  

“We are in turbulent times, and this has increased due to armed conflicts with human suffering and impacts on global shipping and energy trades.” 

He fears for the safety of seafarers trapped in the Middle East Gulf and those providing response services while ships continue to be attacked, and salvors are required to respond. 

Four seafarers were killed and three injured when a tugboat from the UAE was destroyed by Iranian projectiles as it was sent to assist a missile-damaged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. 

According to the UKMTO, 2012-built tug vessel Mussafah 2 was struck by projectiles six nautical miles north of Oman on 6 March 2026, as it was steaming to assist stricken Malta-flagged Safeen Prestige, which had also been attacked by Iranian ballistic missiles, 18 nautical miles off Khasab, Oman. 

Salvage providers fear a similar fate could befall their seafarers and assets if they are sent to assist damaged tankers, bulk carriers and container ships in the region. 

Operations are also impacted by the recent extension of the war zone to incorporate the seas around the Arabian Peninsula, the western side of the Arabian Sea and into East Africa.  

This has implications for war risk premiums and the ability of salvage providers to obtain approvals to operate in these areas. 

IMO deputy director for the organisation’s marine environment division, Patricia Charlebois, said there have been at least 22 attacks on ships, leaving “several dead seafarers” and damaged vessels. 

She said there are about 1,000 stranded tankers and 20,000 seafarers in the Persian Gulf, with no major oil spill yet and huge cost increases for shipowners. 

“War risk insurance premiums are up fivefold,” said Ms Charlebois. “If there was a major oil spill, there would be no way to salvage and protect the environment. It would be highly challenging.” 

Riviera’s 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.