Indian Ship Crew's Harrowing Ordeal in the Midst of Iran-Israel Conflict
What began as a routine voyage home for the crew of an Indian-flagged vessel swiftly transformed into a nerve-wracking ordeal, as recounted by a senior officer who recently returned to India. The ship, which had loaded cargo at Ras Laffan in Qatar on February 27, was poised to set sail for India when the situation in the region escalated dramatically.
A Sudden Halt Amid Escalating Tensions
The crew's plans came to an abrupt standstill following reports of major airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel against multiple sites across Iran on February 28. This coordinated military action occurred as Iranians were marking Nowruz, and it prompted defensive responses from nations like the UAE and Kuwait to missile barrages. In the wake of these developments, the ship sought refuge at a safe anchorage in a port within the United Arab Emirates.
The officer, speaking anonymously, detailed the challenges faced: "We faced a lot of problems as GPS started giving trouble and instruments on the ship were not working properly. This added to our anxiety levels. We were watching news and getting updates of the war and attacks which were happening in the region." To navigate the crisis, the crew adhered strictly to advisories and instructions from the Directorate General of Shipping, the Shipping Corporation of India, and the Indian Navy.
Critical Water Shortages and Crew Morale
Beyond the inherent risks of operating in a conflict zone, the crew grappled with a pressing issue: depleting stocks of drinking water. While food supplies were sufficient for over a month, potable water became a critical concern. The officer explained, "Cargo ships can generate very little drinking water when stopped, and that's not enough to sustain crew members; in the case of older ships, this is reduced further. We could have managed for another 7-10 days with the water we had." This limitation arises because onboard water production systems rely on the heat and power generated by the main engine while it is running.
Maintaining crew morale presented another significant challenge. Efforts were made to instill confidence that the ship would safely return to India, bolstered by the government's focus on rescuing Indian-flagged vessels crucial to energy security. Interestingly, cricket World Cup matches played a role in alleviating stress and keeping spirits uplifted during the tense wait.
Safe Passage and Diplomatic Efforts
After an agonizing wait of nearly ten days at the port, the crew received welcome news on March 13: they could commence their journey that night. The officer noted, "We had no prior information, though we were aware that the Indian government was working hard for safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels." Upon crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the ship was escorted by the Indian Navy, with no contact reported with the Iranian Navy.
However, reports from Bloomberg news agency indicated that the Iranian Navy had guided an Indian LPG vessel through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing passage on a pre-approved route following diplomatic engagement by New Delhi. According to these reports, during the crossing, the ship communicated via radio with the Iranian navy, providing details such as the ship's flag, name, origin and destination ports, and the nationality of the crew members.
This incident underscores the broader context of maritime activity in the region, with at least eight vessels reported to have transited the Strait of Hormuz this week. The joint statement issued by over 20 nations condemning Iran's de facto closure of the strait highlights the international ramifications of the conflict, which has also seen Iran test long-range weapons and the US deploy Marines and warships in response.
