The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran in the Middle East has stranded 13 Indian cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman for the past 107 days, leaving 562 Indian sailors in fear and uncertainty. A maritime blockade imposed by both sides since February has led to the death of an Indian sailor named Nishant Urthanathan due to illness on board the MT Celestial, which is stranded at Oman’s Dukum port.
According to the Union Ministry of Shipping, 329 Indian sailors are stranded in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz and 233 in the Gulf of Oman east of the strait. Tehran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz after Israel and the United States launched an attack on Iran on February 28, and the United States launched a counter-blockade in April. The conflict has jeopardized the passage of oil tankers and other vessels through the region, driving up oil prices on the global market.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat, Oman has taken necessary steps to bring back the body of deceased sailor Nishant Urthanathan to India. The embassy said in a statement on Sunday that it is in round-the-clock communication with Nishant’s family, other sailors of the ship and the authorities concerned. On 20 May the ship was intercepted by US Central Command in the Strait of Hormuz and ordered diverted.
A number of other security incidents have occurred at sea in war-like situations. Last week, three Indian sailors were killed when US forces attacked three ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, another Indian ship, Virat 1, suffered an engine failure off the coast of Oman on Sunday. However, 14 Indian sailors on board were rescued safely by life rafts in a rescue operation conducted in cooperation with Omani authorities and other nearby vessels.
The families of the 562 stranded sailors are currently living in extreme anxiety and worry. The Indian Embassy in Oman and concerned authorities are coordinating with shipping companies present in the region to ensure the safety of the stranded sailors and the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased sailors.
