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Strait of Hormuz Closed Amid Israel-Iran War, Stranding Thousands of Seafarers and Disrupting Global Oil Trade
Nearly 20,000 people on about 2,000 vessels are stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which began February 28, 2026. Seafarers report dangers including missiles, drones and sea mines, with some rationing food and water. Industry experts say clearing the backlog could take three weeks amid continued military operations.
Apr 22, 5:56 AM·2m read1 source
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-Israeli war on Iran that started February 28, 2026, according to the International Maritime Organization as reported by @ABC. Vessel owners halted traffic through the strait on February 28, 2026, the same day the war began, and insurance companies stopped covering ships in the region almost immediately afterward.
The strait normally carries as much as 20% of the world's crude oil and refined petroleum products.
One seafarer, speaking anonymously to @ABC, said they have been waiting to cross the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026. 'It's been almost 50 days since the war started, and uncertainty is our biggest fear,' the seafarer stated. ' The seafarer reported seeing missiles passing over their heads, drones and planes flying by every day, and vessels getting hit.
There are reports of sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the seafarer added. Another seafarer told The Guardian they gave notice exactly one month ago that they are not willing to sail through the Strait of Hormuz. Joshua Hutchinson, chief commercial officer at maritime risk agency Ambrey, told @ABC that the industry expects the strait to remain under the control of Iranian authorities while the United States intensifies operations against Iranian vessels.
Hutchinson stated that the industry needs clear communication for vessels to safely leave the Persian Gulf and clear the backlog. He estimated it could take three weeks for all vessels to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Some vessels in the area are rationing food and water, according to the anonymous seafarer who spoke to @ABC.
