“It was a psychological warfare, and the conflicting authority at play, not knowing whom to trust, was the most jarring aspect of the journey,” the sailor said. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Chaos, uncertainty, numbness, and conflicting orders marked the ordeal of an Indian seafarer aboard a tanker that transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (July 13, 2026).
Speaking to The Hindu, the seafarer, who requested anonymity, explained how the fully-loaded Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil, and its crew were caught between the threats from the Iranian Navy and encouragement to move forward from the U.S. while transiting the strait through the southern route close to the Oman coast.
Published – July 14, 2026 10:53 pm IST
