Indian seafarers are in dire straits, as approximately 1,000 are currently stranded at various ports in Iran due to escalating tensions from the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Videos sent to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) depict sailors pleading for assistance, with one sailor from Bandar Abbas Port urgently requesting evacuation, stating, “We are 20 Indians stranded… please rescue us.” The situation is exacerbated by dwindling supplies of food and fresh water, raising concerns for their safety.
Manoj Yadav, the FSUI general secretary, reported that many sailors are unable to contact their families and are fearful for their lives. One seafarer, Abhijeet Gundre, expressed frustration over the lack of support from his employer, Almouj Shipping, and called on the Indian government to facilitate their safe return. Despite the Indian government’s claims of monitoring the situation, many sailors feel abandoned, as they have not received direct assistance.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, has intensified the crisis, with reports of attacks on freight and oil vessels. FSUI has been urging the Indian government to take a stronger stance in negotiations with Gulf countries. As the conflict continues, the fate of these seafarers remains uncertain, with calls for urgent government intervention growing louder.
