The primary concern for the 20,000 seafarers stranded on 1,500 ships in the Strait of Hormuz is not access to food or water, but the looming threat of missile strikes and fires. Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, emphasized in an interview with CBC News that the constant fear of death contributes significantly to the poor mental health of these workers. Many have witnessed nearby missile strikes, exacerbating feelings of isolation and anxiety, particularly since regular communication with their families has become difficult.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict has left these seafarers emotionally burdened. With all intercontinental vessels instructed to remain anchored, they have been immobilized for nine weeks, where previously returning crew to shore has become too costly. The director of the maritime safety division at the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), Damien Chevallier, remarked that this situation is unprecedented. Despite an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson reviewing U.S. proposals to end the conflict, progress remains stalled on crucial issues.
Captain Raman Kapoor, who has been stuck on an oil tanker since February, noted that while his crew has sufficient supplies, they live in constant fear of missile attacks. Reports indicate that they frequently observe multiple missiles in the sky. According to the Seafarers Happiness Index, which tracks their well-being, many seafarers are under psychological strain, compounded by feelings of invisibility and helplessness, as articulated by an IMO Secretary-General. This emotional toll has made it difficult for them to rest, further complicating their daily operations on board.
