Seafarers’ helplines report being inundated with requests for help from crews trapped in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Many are urgently seeking repatriation, compensation, and essential supplies. An email from a seafarer highlighted the dire situation on board, stating the vessel faced critical shortages of food and water, while health concerns among the crew were escalating. Since the onset of hostilities, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has received over 1,000 communications from seafarers in the region, with some sending distressing videos of bombings occurring near their ships.
The ITF’s Network Coordinator for the Arab World, Mohamed Arrachedi, described the situation as extraordinary and filled with panic, noting that seafarers frequently reach out for assistance during the night when they can access the internet. Approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in the Gulf, with reports of fatalities among dock workers and crew members since late February. The International Bargaining Forum has classified the area as a war zone, granting seafarers special rights, including repatriation at the company’s expense. However, many crews face challenges in securing their return, particularly those on vessels lacking labor agreements.
Compensation remains a significant concern, with many seafarers reporting low daily wages, which often do not reflect the risks associated with working in war zones. Some choose to remain on board due to financial constraints, while others express frustration over their operators’ refusal to facilitate safe passage out of the conflict area. The ITF is actively working to address these issues, reaching out to flag states and port authorities when shipowners fail to respond to requests for assistance. Despite these efforts, many cases remain unresolved, leaving seafarers anxiously awaiting help.
