Who are the seafarers caught in the US-Israeli war on Iran?

Commercial vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters have faced repeated attacks since the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran nine months ago. Al Jazeera reported that the conflict has transformed one of the world's busiest shipping corridors into a dangerous passage for crews transporting oil, gas and other goods. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption passed through the waterway, which connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Iran essentially closed the strait after the US-Israeli attacks began, while Washington has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Al Jazeera noted that attacks have involved missiles, projectiles and naval mines, with the International Maritime Organization recording at least 129 incidents.

The human cost at sea has been severe. The International Maritime Organization has recorded the deaths of at least 25 seafarers since the war started on February 28, according to Al Jazeera. The victims are largely civilian merchant sailors working on oil tankers, cargo ships and other commercial vessels. Many come from countries far removed from the conflict, including India, whose nationals have suffered heavy losses with at least 16 killed. In June, three Indian sailors were killed in US strikes on commercial vessels near Oman. Al Jazeera reported that Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat died after the cargo vessel MSV Al Jusufi was struck off Oman, while 13 other Indian crew members were rescued. People from other countries have also been among the dead, including two Filipino crew members killed when the Saudi tanker Sidr was hit by projectiles near the strait in September. In May, the head of Iran's merchant marine union stated that at least 44 Iranian seafarers had been killed and 29 injured since the start of the war.

Organizations and experts have highlighted the severe psychological toll and the risks faced by civilian crews. The International Chamber of Shipping told Al Jazeera that it is unacceptable that seafarers have been placed in harm's way, urging all parties to safeguard crews who are simply going about their job. Maritime charities warned in May that seafarers in the Gulf face grave mental suffering, including loneliness, anxiety and distress. The International Maritime Organization stated that about 6,000 seafarers remained stranded near the Strait of Hormuz in October. In March, an arrangement was negotiated through the International Bargaining Forum allowing seafarers to refuse danger zones and receive company-funded repatriation and compensation equivalent to two months of basic wages, alongside increased wages and double compensation for death or disability as noted by the International Transport Workers' Federation. However, these protections do not cover every seafarer, and efforts by the International Maritime Organization to establish safe passage have faced repeated obstacles.