Seafarers trapped in the Gulf are facing dire conditions as they ration food and water, hoping for supplies to bypass Iran’s blockade that has left them stranded for three weeks. One Indian sailor, stuck on a small refueling boat near the Iranian coast, reported running low on drinking water and resorting to boiling available water for consumption. He expressed concern over the delay in receiving fresh supplies, which are critical for the crew’s survival.
Captains of vessels in the region, such as one anchored near Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG plant, share similar worries. With crew members leaving the ships, the remaining sailors face increasing uncertainty regarding food and water supplies. The captain noted that rationing has begun to stretch available resources, as the situation remains precarious. He emphasized the importance of timely provisions, fearing that a complete port shutdown could leave the crew stranded indefinitely.
Jacqueline Smith from the International Transport Workers’ Federation highlighted the growing alarm among seafarers about dwindling supplies. She called for action from countries where the ships are registered to facilitate the repatriation of stranded sailors. The UN’s maritime agency has also urged the establishment of a safe shipping corridor to evacuate those in peril. With around 20,000 seafarers stuck on 3,200 vessels, the situation continues to escalate, leading to panic among crews and their families.
