750 Ships Transit Strait of Hormuz Since Ceasefire as ~20,000 Seafarers Remain Stranded Amid US Sanctions and Iranian Tolls

Approximately 20,000 seafarers have been trapped in or near the Strait of Hormuz since late February 2026. Iran closed the waterway days after the US-Israeli war with Iran began and has required express permission for any vessel to pass. The International Maritime Organisation estimates 1,600 ships remain on the wrong side of the strait.

An estimated 750 ships have transited since 28 February, according to maritime data firm Kpler, with most originating from China, India and Pakistan. Captain Shafiqul Islam of the Bangladesh-owned Banglar Joyjatra attempted to cross twice after the 8 April ceasefire announcement.

On the second attempt the vessel reached within 30 nautical miles of the strait before turning back after receiving warnings.

Banglar Joyjatra is carrying about 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser bound for South Africa. The ship set sail from Bangladesh in late January and is now docked at the Port of Sharjah in the UAE. On the second day of the conflict the vessel was 200 metres from Dubai's Jebel Ali port when the port was struck by Iranian forces.

Islam said missiles have since flown over ships and debris has fallen nearby. Rashedul Hasan, chief engineer on Banglar Joyjatra, said the crew purchased 180 tonnes of water two days earlier for $11,000. The same quantity previously cost between $1,500 and $2,000.

Air temperatures in the Gulf have already exceeded 30C in May and can reach 45C. Hasan said some suppliers appear to be raising prices because of the situation. At least 11 sailors have been killed and one remains unaccounted for in 39 verified incidents, the International Maritime Organisation reported.

Captain Hassan Khan, a Pakistani sailor who has spent three months in the area, said stress remains constant and crews are exhausted. Bangladesh Shipping Corporation initially agreed to pay Iran the toll demanded for Banglar Joyjatra but abandoned the plan after the US threatened sanctions. Commodore Mahmudul Malek said the company now faces a double crisis.

Ships that have passed through paid fees reported in the millions of dollars per vessel, according to Dr Jonathan Schroden of CNA. Most successful transits involved vessels from China, India and Pakistan. Sajid Masood, a cook on an oil tanker, described naval vessels using bright lights and loudspeakers at night.

He said announcements warned vessels not to attempt passage. Masood has one month left on his contract and plans to return to Pakistan to see his family. He said daily calls from relatives asking when he will return remain unanswered.