27/04/2026
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27/04/2026
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DUBAI, Apr 27: Around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded aboard hundreds of vessels in the Arabian Gulf / Persian Gulf, unable to cross the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing security tensions and maritime disruptions.
The bottleneck has sharply reduced traffic through the vital waterway, which typically handles about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence showed only around 80 vessels transited the strait during the week of April 13–19, compared to more than 130 daily crossings before the conflict escalated.
Dozens of ships have reportedly come under attack since the outbreak of hostilities, with the United Nations confirming that at least 10 seafarers have been killed.
Despite Donald Trump extending a ceasefire indefinitely last week, the United States has maintained its blockade of Iranian ports. In response, Iran has targeted vessels in the strait and seized two ships, further escalating risks for crews and global shipping.
The prolonged standoff has left thousands of sailors exhausted and anxious, as uncertainty over safe passage continues to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
