Over 100 Bangladeshi mariners stranded in Persian Gulf

More than 100 Bangladeshi seafarers have been stranded in the Persian Gulf and at several Middle Eastern ports amid escalating tensions between Iran and the Israel-US alliance, and a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping insiders warn that the lives of the stranded crew are at risk, as commercial vessels idling at sea could become unintended targets of drone or missile attacks. Families of the seafarers have voiced deep concern for their safety.
Speaking to the Daily Sun over Facebook Messenger, Abir Ahmed, one of the stranded sailors, said:
“We have been stuck in the middle of the Strait of Hormuz for three days. There is no way forward or back. We spend our days listening to the sound of drones and warships.”
Maritime traffic data indicates that over 750 commercial vessels, including several hundred oil tankers, are currently immobilised in the region.
Among them is the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) cargo vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra, berthed at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. All 31 crew members onboard are Bangladeshi nationals.
Sakhawat Hossain, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA), said more than 100 Bangladeshi seafarers are trapped across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are in constant contact with the stranded sailors. We will stand by them in any emergency,” he added.
Missile scare at Jebel Ali
Drone and missile activity was reported at Jebel Ali Port, one of the Middle East’s largest container hubs, on 1 March. While intercepting an incoming projectile, debris fell onto a berth, triggering a fire.
At the time, MV Banglar Joyjatra, carrying 39,000 tonnes of steel coil, was within 100 metres of the blast site, with all 31 crew onboard. Video footage shows panicked sailors rushing for shelter following the explosion.
Sakhawat Hossain noted that the Bangladeshi vessel was stationed at Jetty No. 10 when a nearby oil tanker appeared to be the target.
“Fortunately, the missile was intercepted. Otherwise, it could have caused a major disaster,” he said.
BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek confirmed that the crew were safe.
“After the incident, water and supply services to the vessel were temporarily suspended. However, port operations have resumed today (Monday), and unloading of our cargo has begun,” he said, adding that under international maritime law, the host country is responsible for ensuring port security.

Attack on tanker off Hormuz
Meanwhile, an attack on the oil tanker MKD VYOM, operated by V Ships, left one crew member dead and damaged the vessel off the coast of Oman on Sunday. Four Bangladeshi crew reportedly were onboard and narrowly escaped death.
As the vessel began to sink, the crew evacuated in lifeboats and were later rescued by a Chinese ship. Official verification of the Bangladeshi crew members’ condition is still pending.
Apart from BSC, Bangladesh has 101 ocean-going vessels under private operators. It remains unclear whether any other vessels are stranded in the conflict zone.

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