The United Nations human rights chief has called for urgent action to help thousands of seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf, saying some have been abandoned by their employers without access to food, medical care or any means to communicate with their families.

At least 6,000 seafarers were unable to evacuate during the ceasefire and remain stranded aboard some 400 vessels, according to data from the International Maritime Organization.

Nine ships in Iranian ports carrying at least 93 seafarers have been completely abandoned by their owners, the UN said in a statement. It said the seafarers face “prolonged isolation and confinement in a conflict zone, with uncertainty about their safety and disembarkation – risking a severe toll on their mental and physical well-being.”

Two Indian seafarers were killed last week in a drone attack along the Strait of Hormuz.

In June, US forces enforcing a blockade on Iran’s ports launched a strike on a Palau-flagged vessel, killing three Indian sailors and sparking outrage in India.

“Parties to the conflict should urgently work to facilitate safe passage for stranded seafarers to safely evacuate and disembark, as well as ensure the delivery of critical supplies,” the UN statement said.

-CNN