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US-Israel Attacks Devastate Iranian Fishing Communities
Severe Damage to Iranian Southern Fishing Communities
Along Iran's southern coast, tens of thousands of fishermen are struggling to survive after US-Israeli attacks. Many are still grieving relatives killed in these strikes. Taregh's family is among them; his twin sons were wounded in a missile attack the day before the ceasefire, with one succumbing to his wounds the next day. Taregh noted that his deceased son left behind a five-month-old baby.
He also shared images of his nephews, Omid and Samir, both fishermen, who were severely wounded in another attack and are now recovering in hospital. Fishermen on Qeshm Island stated that consecutive US-Israeli strikes destroyed hundreds of boats, fuel depots, and other facilities. Approximately 170 of over 410 boats at their dock were burned, implying that around 600 to 700 people employed there lost their livelihoods. Fishing infrastructure across Hormozgan Province also suffered extensive damage.
Fishermen's Fears and Economic Hardship
Many fishermen no longer dare to venture far offshore where catches are better. Instead, they stay near the coast, fishing with one eye on the sea and the other on the sky. Fisherman Gholam explained that his vessel was completely destroyed, and now he fishes in a small rowing boat, feeling fear every time he goes out. He shared a saying that a fisherman only survives while his feet are in the water, and if he stays on land, he has nothing. The impact is also rippling through seafood markets, where vendors report slashed sales due to the weak economy and fewer visitors during the conflict. Fishermen say the war has left lasting scars, and while these waters may appear calm for now, those whose lives depend on the sea fear the storm is far from over.
*Source: YouTube: Al Jazeera English (2026-05-26)*
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