A routine maiden voyage transporting oil across the Persian Gulf has turned into a harrowing ordeal for a 28-year-old Indian sailor, who has spent the past month stranded aboard his vessel amid escalating hostilities in the region.
Speaking anonymously to NBC News from Iraqi waters, the seafarer described a constant state of fear as his ship remains idled due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
“We don’t sleep at night. We stay up on deck because you never know what might happen next,” he said, recalling the tension that grips the crew after sunset.
The sailor reported that his vessel was rocked by nearby missile strikes on Tuesday, with explosions occurring just miles away along the Iranian coastline. “The ship is still vibrating,” he said, adding that he witnessed rockets streaking across the sky, followed by repeated blasts in the distance.
He and three other crew members are among an estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded across hundreds of vessels in the Persian Gulf, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The disruption follows Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor, in response to recent U.S.-Israeli strikes.
The blockade has not only sent global oil and gas prices soaring but has also left thousands of seafarers trapped in one of the world’s most volatile maritime zones. The IMO has confirmed multiple incidents involving commercial vessels in recent weeks, including attacks that have resulted in casualties and severe injuries among crew members.
Industry leaders warn that the crisis is exposing the vulnerability of the global maritime workforce. Angad Banga, CEO of Hong Kong-based Caravel Group, said seafarers continue to operate under extreme conditions with little recognition.
“The world has relied on these people to keep trade moving under impossible conditions,” he noted, adding that prolonged uncertainty and isolation are taking a toll on crew morale and mental health.
Operational data reflects the severity of the disruption. From a typical daily transit of around 130 vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, traffic has now dwindled to a handful of ships, many awaiting clearance or safe passage.
Some vessels have reportedly been allowed to transit under Iranian coordination, particularly those classified as “non-hostile.” Iranian authorities maintain that the waterway remains open, albeit under strict conditions tied to the evolving conflict.
Meanwhile, shipping companies are attempting to support stranded crews through regular communication and onboard routines aimed at maintaining morale. However, fear intensifies at night, when most attacks are reported to occur.
Despite the uncertainty, the Indian sailor remains hopeful. “My family is panicking,” he said. “We’ve packed all our bags and are ready the moment someone calls us.”
As tensions continue to escalate, the fate of thousands of seafarers remains uncertain, underscoring the human cost of a crisis that is disrupting global trade and maritime security.
