Stranded Seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz: Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

Since early April 2026, about 20,000 seafarers on roughly 1,600 vessels have been unable to leave the Persian Gulf after the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut down. Daily transits fell from over 130 vessels per day to fewer than 80 in the week of 13-19 April, leaving ships anchored near Iranian ports such as Bandar Abbas and Khorramshahr.

Associated Press

The United States extended an indefinite cease-fire while maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on vessels, seized two ships, and announced the placement of naval mines. The United States began mine-clearing operations, and a tentative cease-fire has reduced the frequency of explosions but has not restored open navigation.

Associated Press

IMO data confirm 29 verified attacks, resulting in at least 10 seafarer deaths. Fleet Management reports over 400 crew members across multiple stranded vessels. Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd has about 150 sailors immobilized; India’s shipping ministry confirmed evacuating 2,680 nationals and warned that water, food and fuel are dwindling.

Associated Press

Capt. Rahul Dhar said his crew keeps morale with conversations despite drone/missile sightings. Indonesian chief officer Reza Muhammad Saleh reported a drone explosion on 3 March, prompting evacuations. Ankit Yadav survived rations of tomatoes and potatoes while awaiting assistance.

Associated Press

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez presented an evacuation plan using Traffic Separation Scheme as a corridor, pending a cease-fire. He urged flag states, NGOs and industry to provide support. India’s shipping ministry confirmed evacuating 2,680 nationals and warned that water, food and fuel dwindling. Donald Trump announced mine-clearing and warned vessels laying mines will be targeted.

Evacuation plan for stranded seafarers in Gulf ready when safe conditions allow: IMO

Shipping firms cite repatriation costs. Fleet Management’s Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam stressed respect for crew who did not volunteer for duty. Workers’ Federation reported assistance requests, noting health strain and shortage of seafarers.

Associated Press

Sources disagree on how many vessels were seized and the safe corridor timeline. The IMO cites 29 attacks; other reports note unverified incidents. Water, food and fuel inventories are unconfirmed, creating a humanitarian assessment gap.

CGTN

• “Day to day, we try to keep things normal with open conversations and small team activities that help lift everyone’s spirits.” — Capt. Rahul Dhar, Indian tanker captain

Associated Press

• “My call is to release the seafarers because they are not at fault,” — Arsenio Domínguez, IMO Secretary-General

Seafarer Shares First-Hand Account With IMO About Being Stranded In Persian Gulf

• “We have heard more than 100 explosions. It is scary when you see projectiles flying and exploding very near your vessel,” — Salman Siddiqui, Indian seafarer

Iran War Leaves Seafarers Stranded In The Gulf

• “The biggest problem is the uncertainty. We don’t know when Hormuz will be open again,” — Reza Muhammad Saleh, Indonesian chief officer

Associated Press

The IMO will activate the evacuation corridor once all parties commit to a cease-fire. A UN Security Council update is set for 27 April 2026. Ongoing coordination with Iran, Oman and other partners will shape the timing of safe transits and humanitarian deliveries.

Seafarer Shares First-Hand Account With IMO About Being Stranded In Persian Gulf