Iran's conflict continues, obstructing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and leaving thousands of seafarers trapped in the Persian Gulf, constantly under immense psychological pressure from the threat of attack and uncertainty about returning home. What was once an ordinary voyage has now become an agonizing ordeal of prolonged waiting.
As the war in Iran enters its sixth month, Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, forcing many seafarers to be stranded in the Persian Gulf for extended periods. The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated that there are currently 500 vessels of various types and about 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf. Since the hostilities began, 17 seafarers have lost their lives, most of them dying from Iranian attacks.
Some oil tankers and LNG carriers have tried to leave during short ceasefire windows, but many ships failed to pass through in time.
A leader of an Indian maritime union stated that for these seafarers, being trapped on board for so long is like being in a "prison." Continuing geopolitical tension and uncertainty about when they can leave have brought enormous psychological pressure.
Majority Likely from India and the Philippines
According to global shipping authority “Lloyd’s List,” in the week from July 27 to August 2, only 52 ships unrelated to Iran passed through the Strait of Hormuz, along with 32 ships related to Iran—a total of 84 ships, only about 10% of the pre-conflict weekly average of 700 vessels passing in and out.
The stranded seafarers are likely mainly from India and the Philippines. India is the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, with 312,000 people working in maritime transport; the Philippines ranks first with 460,000.