Indian Captain, 33 Crew Stranded Near Strait of Hormuz; Families Seek Government Help

The escalating tensions in the Middle East involving United States, Israel and Iran are now affecting Indian families.

As an Indian tanker captain and his crew remain stranded near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Captain Virendra Vishwakarma, a resident of Dahisar East in Mumbai, has been stuck in the region since March 2 along with 33 crew members aboard an LPG tanker.

Speaking from the vessel, Vishwakarma said the crew has been witnessing missile and drone activity in the skies almost daily and hopes the Indian Navy will escort the ship safely back to India.

“We see missiles and drones flying overhead almost every day and hear sirens constantly. We are worried that anything could happen at any time,” he said.

Tanker carrying LPG for India

The tanker, carrying enough liquefied petroleum gas to fill about 3.6 million domestic cylinders, is currently stationed at Mina Saqr Port in Ras Al Khaimah. The ship had earlier loaded cargo at Mina Al Ahmadi Port and was heading to Deendayal Port in Kutch district.

Vishwakarma said the crew currently has food supplies that could last for around 60 days. The vessel’s operator, Great Eastern Shipping Company (GESCO), is coordinating with authorities to ensure the ship’s safe return.

“Our company is helping us and has assured us it is in touch with the navy and the relevant ministries to arrange for our safe return,” he said.

Families anxious back home

Back in Mumbai, Vishwakarma’s family says the uncertainty has caused deep anxiety. His wife, Nilpa Vishwakarma, said she has struggled to sleep amid fears for her husband and the crew as tensions escalate in the region.

“I pray every day that my husband and his crew return home safely. I haven’t been able to sleep for several days,” she said. She added that the family manages to stay in touch through WhatsApp audio and video calls, though the ship’s internet connection is often unstable.

“My two children and I speak to him whenever the internet works. Sometimes the connection drops, and then we just keep waiting to hear from him again,” she said.

With the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remaining tense, the crew continues to wait for safe passage under naval protection so the tanker and its cargo can return to Indian waters.

Iran allows Indian vessels passage

Meanwhile, Iran has allowed two LPG tankers bound for India to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Reuters.

The development came hours after Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated that Indian vessels could receive safe passage through the crucial shipping corridor despite the ongoing conflict.

Describing India as an important partner, Fathali said positive developments regarding transit through the strait could emerge soon and emphasised that both countries share strategic interests in maintaining stability in the region.