Seafarer anguish as ships stranded by Middle East war

There are approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded in that body of water, according to data compiled by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The war is “breaking down the mental health of these workers”, said Bishop Emeritus Luis Quinteiro Fiuza of Tui-Vigo in Spain, the head of Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea).

“Those stranded on those ships, unable to cross through the strait for weeks, live in constant anguish,” he said, indicating that the sailors are living “with the very real fear that everything could end at any moment by being bombed”.

Despite the logistical constraints in the region where there is virtually no Christian presence, Stella Maris maintains contact with some of the families of those currently stranded aboard the ships, Bishop Quinteiro said.

“Families are experiencing this with immense anguish. They are horrified, monitoring events minute by minute, and many tell us they are completely overwhelmed,” he shared.

“Right now, there are ships with their internet down. It is a situation of utter abandonment,” the bishop said.

The IMO, the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of maritime trade, has proposed the creation of a “safe maritime corridor” to allow vessels to leave the Persian Gulf region and pass through the Strait of Hormuz without risk.

A two-week ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran which involved opening the Strait of Hormuz came under immediate pressure, Stuff reported. Iran reportedly closed the Strait again in response to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, and it has also claimed three terms of the ceasefire have been breached.

Israel and the United States’ position is the deal does not cover fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran says it does.

Access to the Strait was severely restricted by Iran in retaliation against US and Israeli attacks since February 28. From March 1 to April 7, commodities carriers have made 307 crossings, according to Kpler data – a 95 per cent decrease from peacetime traffic, The New Zealand Herald reported.

FULL STORY

Apostleship of the Sea: 20,000 sailors stranded near Strait of Hormuz ‘living in constant anguish’ (By Victoria Cardiel/EWTN News)

Ceasefire tested as Iran closes Strait of Hormuz and Israel continues strikes (NZ Herald)

Live: Israel’s devastating attacks on Lebanon threaten to shatter Iran ceasefire (Stuff)