SOS from the seas: 20,000 sailors trapped, pleading for rescue amidst war zone hunger

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The war that has raged in the Middle East for the past month is now creating a terrible chaos at sea. Nearly 3,000 commercial ships, carrying more than 20,000 sailors, are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding areas. The lives of these sailors are in danger every moment, and the sword of death hangs over their heads. Fresh food and drinking water on the ships have either run out or are on the verge of running out. Living in fear, these sailors are constantly contacting helpline organizations and pleading for help. The situation is so dire that the flood of messages asking for help has left even the maritime helpline teams helpless.

Horrifying videos coming from the middle of the bombing

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) support team is receiving heartbreaking messages and videos from the sea. Sailors are sending videos of bombs falling near their ships from the war zone, pleading for their evacuation. Mohammad Arrachedi, ITF's network coordinator for the Arab world and Iran, said that as soon as sailors get internet access at sea, they call even at two or three in the morning. The terrified sailors have only one cry: they are trapped under bombardment and do not want to die. According to the United Nations Maritime Organization (IMO), at least eight sailors and port workers have died tragically in this troubled region since February 28, which has increased the fear manifold.

Indian sailors are on the brink of death

Amidst this horrific scene, the most shocking truth is the exploitation of these sailors. More than half of the emails received by the ITF concern pay. These sailors, risking their lives in the war zone, are receiving a meager daily wage of just $16 (approximately 1500 rupees). After the declaration of war, many distressed sailors are asking if their daily wages will now be increased to $32. The organization says that this low pay is the result of the arbitrary actions of shipowners, who are employing them without proper labor agreements. These sailors, hailing from countries like India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia, cannot afford to leave the ship due to financial constraints, so they are forced to work hungry and thirsty, even under the shadow of death.