The captain of a crude oil tanker, who has been stranded with his ship and 23 crewmembers in the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war with Iran, has shared an insight into the “terrifying” experience.
Captain Raman Kapoor spoke to GB News about the situation as the vital waterway remains closed to traffic by the Islamic Republic and will now be subject to a Naval blockade by President Donald Trump.
“It is causing serious concern for my crew's safety and security. Despite this, my crew is staying focused on their duties. I've asked them to stay calm and focus towards their duties,” the brave sailor began.
In their weeks of being trapped, Captain Kapoor said he had witnessed “missiles flying overhead”, seeing and hearing explosions ringing out across the water.
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He explained his ship had just been a few miles away from another vessel being attacked, which he said was “deeply disturbing and a major cause of fear for the entire crew”.
“This is a very dangerous part of the world to be in… it is really very scary.”
“As a ship captain, it is my duty to keep my crew's morale high. Their families are requesting them to come back home. But unfortunately, there is no safe way out of this location”
“Presently, all airports are shut, and sea routes are blocked, so there is little anyone can do. We have requested our company office to repatriate us.
Captain Raman Kapoor and his crew have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war with Iran
|GB NEWS
“We are all helpless in this current situation,” Captain Kapoor said.
The captain explained: “We are just sailors. We are not soldiers. We are not trained for any warlike situations.”
He revealed that his family in India and the families of his crew from around the world are anxiously awaiting their return.
“We have been in constant touch with all our family and friends. And I would like to request all of them to stay calm.
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'This is a very dangerous part of the world to be in… it is really very scary,' the captain said
|GETTY
“Stay composed and pray to God for our safe return. That's the maximum they can do. I don't want them to panic.
“As long as we stay safe on the ship, it is okay,” Captain Kapoor assured.
An opportunity for Captain Kapoor and his men to be freed from the Strait appears to remain a distant prospect, as peace talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan collapsed without result.
While the fragile ceasefire remains in place, President Trump confirmed the US Navy will now blockade the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump has confirmed the US Navy will now blockade the vital waterway
|GETTY
Taking to Truth Social, the US leader declared: “Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World.
“As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST! Every Law in the book is being violated by them.”
Citing Iran’s reluctance to open the Strait and end its nuclear ambitions, Mr Trump pledged: “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION.”