Strait of Hormuz: Sailors stranded on ships due to Iran war

Drones, cruise missiles and fighter jets have become a common sight for many sailors stranded on ships in the Gulf.

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In recent days there has been a growing number of reported attacks on ships in the Gulf region, as Iran responded to attacks by the US and Israel by threatening to open fire on any vessels trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait is a key artery for shipping, both for energy supplies and vessels carrying other goods. The sudden outbreak of war has left many ships – and their sailors stranded at sea as they watch strikes play out on land around them and overhead.

"I have seen Iranian drones and cruise missiles flying at low altitude," says Amir, a Pakistani sailor aboard an oil tanker in the United Arab Emirates that cannot leave the area. "I also hear the sound of fighter jets, but we can't identify which country they belong to."

What scares him the most is the thought of an intercepted drone or missile falling on his vessel.