The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East is now beginning to affect Indian citizens directly, as an Indian tanker captain and his crew remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened military tensions in the region. Captain Virendra Vishwakarma, who lives in Dahisar East in Mumbai, has been stuck in the area since March 2 along with 33 other crew members on board an LPG tanker. The crew has been witnessing frequent military activity in the skies above them, including missiles and drones, which has increased concerns about their safety.
Speaking from the vessel, Captain Vishwakarma described the tense atmosphere surrounding the strategic waterway. According to him, the crew members regularly observe missiles and drones flying overhead and frequently hear warning sirens in the surrounding region. These developments have left the crew anxious about the situation, as the possibility of sudden escalation or accidental harm remains a constant concern. He expressed hope that the Indian Navy would soon escort the tanker safely through the region so that the crew can return to India without incident.
The tanker is carrying a large shipment of liquefied petroleum gas intended for India. The cargo on board is substantial enough to fill approximately 3.6 million domestic LPG cylinders, making it a significant supply shipment. At present, the vessel is stationed at Mina Saqr Port, a deep-water port located in Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.
Before reaching Mina Saqr Port, the ship had originally been loaded at Mina Al Ahmadi Port. From there, it was scheduled to sail toward Deendayal Port in Gujarat’s Kutch district, which was previously known as Kandla Port. However, due to the escalating military tensions and uncertainty in the region, the vessel has been unable to continue its journey and remains halted near the critical shipping corridor.
Captain Vishwakarma stated that, despite the uncertainty, the crew currently has enough food supplies on board to last for roughly 60 days. He also noted that the vessel’s operating company, GESCO, has been actively assisting them and is maintaining communication with relevant authorities. According to him, the company has assured the crew that it is coordinating with government ministries and naval authorities in order to arrange safe passage for the tanker and ensure that the crew can return to Indian waters without danger.
While the crew waits near the Strait of Hormuz, the situation has created deep anxiety for their families back in India. In Mumbai, Captain Vishwakarma’s family has been dealing with significant emotional stress due to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict and the safety of the crew.
His wife, Nilpa Vishwakarma, said the ongoing crisis has left her extremely worried about her husband and the other sailors aboard the tanker. She explained that she has barely been able to sleep for several days because of constant concern about their safety. According to her, she spends much of her time praying for the safe return of her husband and the entire crew.
The family continues to maintain contact with Captain Vishwakarma through WhatsApp audio and video calls whenever the ship’s internet connection allows it. However, the internet service on board is unreliable and often disconnects unexpectedly. Nilpa said that she and their two children try to speak with him whenever possible, but there are frequent moments when the connection drops, leaving them waiting anxiously until communication is restored again.
As tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, the crew continues to wait for a secure passage, ideally under the protection of the Indian Navy, which would allow them to safely navigate through the region and bring the tanker and its valuable cargo to India.
Meanwhile, there have been some developments regarding maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Reuters, Iran has allowed two liquefied petroleum gas tankers that are bound for India to pass through the strategic shipping route. This decision reportedly came shortly after Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated that Indian vessels could receive safe passage through the narrow corridor despite the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Ambassador Fathali described India as an important partner and suggested that positive developments regarding shipping through the strait could occur within a short period of time. He also emphasised that Iran and India share significant strategic interests in the region, which could help facilitate smoother maritime transit even during the current geopolitical tensions.
