US-Iran tensions hold seafarers in limbo in Strait of Hormuz

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Approximately 20,000 seafarers are currently stranded in the Gulf due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An Indian seafarer, who has been granted anonymity, has been stuck on his vessel for nearly 10 weeks since the United States launched “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28.

The seafarer, who arrived at the Shatt al-Arab waterway days before the operation began, described the situation as “terribly distracting.” Some of his fellow Indian seafarers have been able to return home by crossing Iran’s land border with Armenia, but many others remain stranded due to unpaid salaries or lack of access to dollars.

The Iranian government has shut down the Strait of Hormuz in response to US and Israeli attacks on the country. The strait is a critical shipping route, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies and one-third of the seaborne fertilizer trade. Despite a recent ceasefire announcement between the US and Iran, maritime traffic remains at a standstill due to recurrent attacks in and around the waterway.

US Central Command reported that it had intercepted and eliminated inbound Iranian threats after three US Navy guided-missile destroyers came under attack from missiles, drones, and small boats while crossing the strait. Iran’s military responded by targeting US Navy vessels after US forces targeted an oil tanker in its territorial waters.

The United Nations International Maritime Organization estimates that at least 10 seafarers have been killed since the start of the war. Iranian merchant marine union reported that at least 44 Iranian seafarers, including dockworkers and fishermen, had been killed as of April 1.

Labour groups report that each day brings new uncertainty for civilian crews manning the Gulf’s massive fleet of oil, gas, and container ships. The situation has created an “enhanced state of fear” among seafarers, according to Stephen Cotton, a representative from one of the labour groups.

Source: Al Jazeera