The International Chamber of Shipping (IMP), a prominent shipping organisation, has criticised the US and Iran's capture of commercial ships and is calling for the immediate release of their crews. The International Chamber, which represents about 80 percent of the world’s merchant fleet, called the capture an affront to freedom of navigation as enshrined in international law. John Stawpert, marine director of the IMP, also expressed concern for the welfare of an estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf due to the effective closure of the strait. The US and Iranian militaries have each announced the capture of two commercial vessels over the past week.