Seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's blockade are suffering severe psychological distress as their prolonged isolation stretches into its sixth week. Despite a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, missile and drone threats persist on the ground, effectively maintaining wartime conditions.
The Guardian on Friday reported on the situation through an interview with a tanker worker among the approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. "I tried to minimize the psychological impact, but it's now reached an unbearable level," the seafarer said. "Dozens of tankers loaded with crude oil are floating around us, unable to move."
Fear has become routine as missile interception traces are repeatedly spotted in the sky and drone and mine threats continue, sources said. Anxiety among crew members peaked after witnessing a nearby Kuwaiti tanker engulfed in flames from a missile strike two weeks ago.
Amid these conditions, refusal to sail is spreading among seafarers. "I already told my captain a month ago that I would not transit the strait," the interviewed seafarer said. "Ninety percent of my colleagues want to refuse to sail." The onboard atmosphere is reportedly nearing a breaking point, with some crew members showing signs of mental breakdown due to extreme stress.
"Running Out of Water and Food"… Surviving on Fishing and Condensation
The prolonged isolation is turning into a survival crisis. The Wall Street Journal reported on the 4th, citing the International Maritime Organization (IMO), that approximately 2,000 vessels are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf, with fewer than 200 having escaped through the strait.
With supply chains effectively paralyzed, many vessels are running out of drinking water and food. Seafarers are sharing survival tips through VHF radio and social media. Some crew members are reportedly collecting condensation water from air conditioning units for daily use and catching tuna, squid, and hairtail fish to feed themselves.
Supply procurement has worsened as access to Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates, a key resupply hub, has become difficult due to attacks. Fresh food prices have also surged, with mangoes reaching $31 per kilogram and oranges climbing to $15.
The medical gap is also critical. According to the WSJ, Captain Rakesh Ranjan Singh, 47, of the tanker ASP Abana died of a heart attack on the 19th day of isolation. Crew members attempted first aid, but he could not receive proper treatment as air evacuation was impossible.
"Cannot Even Return Home"… Crew Change Paralysis Sparks Labor Rights Controversy
Crew rotations have also effectively halted. Personnel circulation has stopped as major crew change hubs like Dubai have lost functionality due to flight shortages and soaring costs. Some seafarers remain in dangerous waters beyond their contract periods.
According to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), approximately 1,000 assistance requests have been received since the war began, with 200 requesting disembarkation and repatriation support. More than half of the inquiries concerned wages and contractual rights.
"It is difficult to understand that some shipowners are still sending vessels to these waters," the ITF said. "Seafarers should be able to return home when they want." Experts are also characterizing the current situation as a de facto humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for replacement personnel and international response.
Seafarers on site are pleading, "I may have to give up everything I've built over a lifetime working on tankers. I can only judge whether I can return to sea after going home first and resting sufficiently."
