Strait of Hormuz Closure Traps 20,000 Seafarers, Threatening Survival

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over the waterway, has left over 20,000 seafarers stranded on approximately 2,000 vessels in the Gulf, facing dire conditions including food and water shortages and delayed wages.

Sat May 23 2026

Strait of Hormuz Closure and Seafarer Isolation

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, asserting its control over the vital waterway, has left over 20,000 seafarers trapped on approximately 2,000 vessels in the Gulf. Iran closed the strait, a critical global oil supply route, after US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28, 2026. Mohammed Erashidi, coordinator at the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), stated that more than 2,000 seafarers have called for help, with some reporting eating only once a day or subsisting solely on dal and rice due to dwindling supplies.

Survival Threats and International Efforts

Many seafarers caught in the Strait of Hormuz face not only a severe lack of food, fresh water, fuel, and medicines but also delays in getting paid. They have only brief moments of internet connection to contact loved ones or seek outside help. Fearful of a future at sea in a war zone, many are expressing deep concern. The Saudi Ports Authority has made some efforts to assist, helping hundreds of vessels resupply with food, fresh water, fuel, and medicines, and aiding over 500 seafarers to transfer from their ships. However, many more seafarers remain isolated at sea, with no end in sight to their predicament.

*Source: YouTube: Reuters (2026-05-23)*

Tags: #Strait of Hormuz #Iran #Gulf #seafarers #Middle East conflict