Seafarers stuck in the Gulf are facing dire conditions as they ration food and water, anxiously awaiting supplies amid Iran’s blockade. The situation has been escalating for three weeks, with many vessels unable to access basic necessities. According to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), numerous seafarers have been raising the alarm over supplies in recent days.
Impact on Seafarers
We spoke to one Indian seaman stuck in a small refuelling boat off Iraq, within sight of the Iranian shore. “We don’t have enough water on board right now. We got food a few days back,” said the young sailor, who asked to be identified only by his last name, Pereira. “Till yesterday we had proper drinking water and fresh water for baths and stuff. But now since drinking water is over, we have contacted the owner for the drinking water and I hope they get it by today or tomorrow,” he added.
Another ship’s captain, who asked not to be named, said his vessel was stuck at anchor off Qatar near the major Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas plant, which was hit by an Iranian attack on Thursday. “If the port shuts down completely, then there is no possibility of getting the crew out. So that’s one worry,” said the captain. “Another worry is also about the food supplies, the water supplies and everything else that needs to be supplied to the crew.” He spoke to us while on shore in rotation as another master commanded his vessel — but he was in regular contact with the crew.
Reduced Supplies and Rationing
The team was reducing shifts and meals in case supplies get cut off. “We are starting with food and water rationing on board, just so we can stretch out the number of days we go with available resources in case food, water and fuel are unavailable,” said the captain. This is a common concern among seafarers, as the UN’s maritime body (IMO) has called on countries to ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers.
Jacqueline Smith, maritime coordinator at the ITF, said the organisation has been receiving text messages from seafarers saying they’re running low on provisions, fuel, water, and food. “This wasn’t the case in the beginning, and that is going to just be increasing if there’s no end in sight to the conflict,” she said. The ITF has called on countries where the ships are flagged, such as Panama and Liberia, to issue guidance to shipowners and seafarers to organise their repatriation.
Some of the key concerns for seafarers include:
- Access to basic necessities like food and water
- Safety and security in the face of conflict
- Repatriation and evacuation procedures
As the situation continues to escalate, it’s clear that seafarers are facing a growing crisis. The International Transport Workers’ Federation is working to support seafarers and push for a resolution to the conflict.
