Iran Israel War | Ships anchored off Gulf coasts after Strait of Hormuz blaze; Indian crew expresses concern

Shipping operations throughout components of the Gulf have come to a standstill after a crude oil tanker caught fire after being hit by an Iranian missile within the Strait of Hormuz on March 1, forcing vessels to drop anchor amid escalating tensions within the area.

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“From the day the crude oil tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, all ships have been anchored,” stated Rajashekar Chinthakindi, a Hyderabad-based Chief Engineer at present serving aboard a crude oil provider. Speaking to The Hindu over the telephone on Wednesday (March 4, 2026), he stated their vessel, which had been transporting crude oil from Iraq to Dubai, has remained stationary for the reason that incident.

“Our ship is anchored near Sharjah, in the mid-sea,” Mr. Rajashekar stated. “Under normal circumstances, if we sail for three to four hours from here, we would reach the destination and unload the crude oil. But now, we are unable to move even an inch.”

He famous that tons of of ships are equally anchored alongside the coasts of Gulf nations, significantly vessels that must sail by way of the Strait of Hormuz — one of many world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.

According to Mr. Rajashekar, his present contract requires him to stay on board for the subsequent three months as per the transport settlement. However, he expressed concern over the prevailing rigidity and uncertainty within the area.

On the provision of meals and necessities, he stated ships sometimes carry surplus provisions. “We have sufficient groceries for a few more days. If the conflict continues and we are forced to remain here longer, our management may arrange to send additional supplies through small boats from Dubai,” he added.

Mr. Rajashekar additionally revealed that one individual from Andhra Pradesh was injured within the missile hit ship and is at present present process therapy in Oman.

In addition, the reviews {that a} United States submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka within the Indian Ocean have escalated tensions amongst service provider navy sailors.