Final Up to date:
The footage of the April 22 assault, in keeping with FSUI, reveals a number of small boats surrounding the vessel, an RPG being fired and crew members taking cowl contained in the ship
Footage reveals an RPG being fired in direction of the ship (left) and boats surrounding the vessel (proper). (X)
The hazard going through Indian seafarers caught within the Iran battle has as soon as once more come into focus after the Ahead Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) shared footage of what it described as a harrowing confrontation involving a vessel carrying 22 crew members, together with 21 Indians, within the Strait of Hormuz on April 22.
In a submit on X, the union mentioned the vessel got here below strain from boats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The footage, in keeping with FSUI, reveals a number of small boats surrounding the vessel, an RPG being fired and crew members taking cowl contained in the ship.
On 22 April, within the Strait of Hormuz, a vessel carrying 22 crew members, of whom 21 had been Indian, confronted a deeply distressing scenario. These weren’t pirates. They had been naval forces of the IRGC.
Movies present a number of small boats surrounding the vessel, the depth of the… pic.twitter.com/5UgxtZETSd
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) August 20, 2026
“These weren’t pirates. They had been naval forces of the IRGC,” the union mentioned, arguing that advisories and security tips alone can’t defend civilian crews working in a battle zone.
The incident is a part of a rising checklist of maritime confrontations for the reason that US-Israel battle towards Iran started, with Indian seafarers repeatedly discovering themselves within the line of fireside.
ALSO READ | Another Indian Sailor Dies In Hormuz: Will Iran’s Tanker Strike Put India’s Balancing Act To Test?
On April 22, Iran mentioned its forces had seized two business vessels within the Strait of Hormuz. India’s Ministry of Ports, Delivery and Waterways mentioned two of the three foreign-flagged vessels fired upon by Iranian forces that day had 22 Indian seafarers on board, whereas no less than one Indian seafarer was among the many crew of a vessel taken into Iranian custody. The federal government mentioned the seafarers had been secure.
The assaults haven’t been restricted to April. In June, three Indian sailors had been killed when US forces struck Indian-crewed business vessels within the Strait of Hormuz. India subsequently urged Washington to halt assaults on transport and summoned a US official over the strikes.
The toll has continued to mount. By July, reviews mentioned the variety of Indian seafarers killed in US and Iranian assaults on vessels in and across the Strait had risen to eight, with no less than 10 civilian ships carrying Indian seafarers reportedly focused for the reason that starting of the battle.
Indian crews have additionally confronted extended uncertainty even when their vessels weren’t straight attacked. One Indian tanker captain not too long ago recounted spending 75 days stranded within the Strait of Hormuz with 23 crew members and 1,10,000 tonnes of oil on board, describing the psychological pressure of dwelling via a battle with missiles flying overhead.
The broader maritime disaster has turn out to be more and more extreme. Delivery via Hormuz has fallen dramatically from pre-war ranges following repeated assaults on business vessels. Reuters reported that solely 5 commodity vessels crossed the strait on a current Saturday and none on the next Sunday, in contrast with greater than 130 every day ship transits earlier than the battle.
ALSO READ | Caught In The Crossfire: Why Indian Sailors In The Gulf Are Being Drawn Into US-Iran War
The humanitarian value has been vital. Greater than 20,000 seafarers have been trapped within the Gulf for the reason that battle started, with crews describing situations aboard vessels caught within the disaster as akin to being “in jail”.
For India, the problem is especially vital due to the country’s large seafaring workforce. Indian nationals make up a considerable share of crews on service provider vessels working on worldwide routes, which means that disruption in one of many world’s most necessary maritime chokepoints can shortly turn out to be a direct Indian human-security concern.
FSUI has argued that the repeated incidents expose the bounds of relying solely on navigational advisories and voluntary precautions. The union has referred to as for an assured naval presence to guard Indian seafarers and business transport working via conflict-affected waters.
ALSO READ | Indian Tankers Caught In Iranian Gunfire: What This Means For Maritime Security | Exclusive Details
Its newest warning comes because the safety scenario round Hormuz stays unsettled. Iran has continued to limit transport via the strategic waterway, whereas the US has maintained strain on Tehran. Current assaults have additional decreased business visitors, leaving hundreds of seafarers caught between geopolitical confrontation and the necessity to maintain international commerce shifting.
For the Indian sailors working aboard these vessels, nevertheless, the disaster is much less about geopolitics and extra instant—getting via a battle zone alive.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18India has launched a “Seafarer-First” initiative to watch each Indian seafarer within the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, whatever the vessel’s flag. This contains making a complete vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard and activating a 24/7 grievance assist system by way of helplines, WhatsApp, and e-mail for seafarers and their households. The federal government additionally continues to work with worldwide maritime our bodies and overseas administrations to safeguard Indian seafarers.
Ask News18Concerning the Creator
Apoorva Misra is an Affiliate Editor at News18.com with a eager curiosity in politics and present affairs. She loves uncovering recent angles and telling tales via long-form options and explainers…Learn Extra
August 21, 2026, 07:55 IST
Learn Extra
