‘Like being in prison’: the ship crews stuck in Gulf since February
US-Iran war has stranded up to 20,000 seafarers, mostly Indian and Filipino crews, with none knowing when the nightmare will end
TL;DR
- A cargo ship, the Minoan Pioneer, was hit by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in engine room blackout and a fire, with the third engineer missing.
- The US-led war on Iran has trapped an estimated 20,000 seafarers in the Gulf, with the waterway effectively blockaded.
- Seafarers are experiencing immense psychological stress, describing their situation as being 'in prison' with no clear end in sight.
- Previous peace attempts, including a ceasefire and a peace deal, have failed, leaving many ships and crews stranded.
- Approximately 6,000 seafarers on 500 vessels remain trapped in the Gulf.
- Hostilities have spread to other regions like the Red Sea and the Black Sea, making July one of the deadliest months for commercial seafarers.
- The IMO warns that a shortage of willing seafarers could impact global trade, as 90% of goods are transported by ship.