'Banglar Joyjatra' stranded near Hormuz for three months, 31 crew in extreme anxiety

The state-owned Bangladeshi vessel 'Banglar Joyjatra' has been stranded near the Strait of Hormuz for over three months due to the ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. The 31 crew members are enduring uncertainty, fear and mental stress as the strategic waterway remains closed.

The vessel, carrying approximately 37,000 tonnes of fertiliser bound for South Africa, is currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, according to a BBC report published on Wednesday, June 3.

"We are like prisoners in a pond. The only way out is the Strait of Hormuz, but we do not know when we can leave," said Captain Shafiqul Islam.

Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply used to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran closed the route after the war began, leaving around 1,600 vessels stranded. Many of them have no safe passage out, according to the International Maritime Organization.

Chief Engineer Rashedul Hasan said food and water supplies are now the biggest challenge. "We recently had to pay $11,000 for 180 tonnes of water, which used to cost between $1,500 and $2,000," he said.

The crew are under immense mental pressure due to the constant threat of missile attacks, the presence of drones and warplanes, and mines in the sea. "We couldn't sleep at night because of the sounds of attacks. We have witnessed destruction with our own eyes," Rashedul said.

Captain Shafiqul said two attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz over the past three months have failed. Once they turned back after a warning from Iran, and another time after receiving reports of a possible attack.

According to IMO data, since the conflict began, 11 sailors have been killed and one remains missing in at least 39 attacks.

The Bangladesh government and Bangladesh Shipping Corporation are pursuing diplomatic efforts to bring the vessel back safely, but the situation has become complicated. BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek said that while Iran's demand for toll payment was considered, the plan was abandoned due to the threat of possible US sanctions.

"We are caught in a dilemma," he said.

The BBC report noted that a diplomatic solution is now the only hope for the safe release of 'Banglar Joyjatra' and its crew.