20,000 Sailors Stranded in Hormuz Amid US-Iran War Face Humanitarian Crisis

Since late February 2026, approximately 20,000 sailors aboard more than 2,000 vessels have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. The conflict began on February 28 following a joint US-Israeli attack that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, prompting Iran to close the strategic shipping lane. Conditions on board are deteriorating rapidly, with sailors reporting critical shortages of food, water, and essential medications. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has declared the situation a humanitarian crisis, noting that over 30 ships have been struck by Iranian missiles and drones, resulting at least ten deaths. Interviews with stranded crew members reveal fears for their lives as supplies dwindle. Captains state that leaving the strait is impossible until safety is guaranteed. The stranded fleet includes oil tankers and cargo ships with crews primarily from India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and China. This blockade significantly disrupts global oil trade and poses severe risks to maritime personnel trapped in the conflict zone.