In a tale of survival against escalating conflict, Indian mariners repatriated from Iran recounted ditching hopes of survival as missiles targeted their location relentlessly. Speaking in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh native Manan Singh Chauhan revealed the nightmare aboard a ship docked in missile-hotspot Khurramshahr.
Joined as a trainee viper in October last year, Chauhan and peers were denied sign-off by the captain even as blasts rocked their world. ‘Eid brought 70-80 missiles; my cabin trembled like an earthquake,’ he shared. With Iranians abandoning ship, three Indians held out until relocating to Bandar Abbas on April 12, 2026.
A new captain’s approval sparked their exodus: taxis to Bushehr, onward to Jolfa, Armenia entry, and a vital call to FSUI leader Manoj Kumar Yadav via fellow trapped sailor Dibakar Yadav. Expenses ate $300 of their $600 pay. Chauhan blasted fraudulent agents rerouting them to Iran instead of Dubai and criticized zero government aid for 80-90 lingering sailors.
Fellow sailor Ravi from Haryana described terror-filled nights: ‘The shaking felt like direct hits; I couldn’t sleep and spared my mother the details.’ Chiranjeevi from Andhra Pradesh faced stark ultimatums from locals—run or swim.
Yadav detailed the tortuous overland trek amid grounded flights, their dire finances leaving no room for meals. ‘Over 20,000 seafarers remain stuck despite ceasefires,’ he warned, calling for systemic safeguards against exploitative agencies and swift rescues.
