Family members of 16 Indian seafarers detained in Iran since November have expressed deep concerns over their living conditions. Reports indicate that the crew is confined in a small room with inadequate food and drinking water. Although they have been provided with one phone to communicate with their families, their personal devices were confiscated. Relatives are particularly anxious about the crew’s release, given the ongoing political turmoil in Iran, which includes protests and a deteriorating law and order situation.
A relative mentioned that the seafarers received food and fuel a week ago, but supplies are dwindling, leading to unsanitary conditions aboard the vessel. The ship’s generators have also failed, complicating waste disposal and sanitation. Families have appealed to the Delhi High Court, urging the Indian government to secure consular access and ensure the crew’s safe return. Iranian authorities seized the oil tanker, MT Valiant Roar, on December 8, 2025, claiming it was carrying illegal diesel, a charge the company disputes.
According to India’s Foreign Ministry, ten crew members are imprisoned in Bandar Abbas, while others, including a Bangladeshi and a Sri Lankan, remain on board. Although Iran allowed consular access on January 10, it could not be facilitated due to the unrest. The tanker’s owner, Jugwinder Brar, criticized the allegations against his company and highlighted previous wrongful detentions of their vessels. He emphasized that the priority remains the safe return of the crew, who are facing dire conditions in Iran.
