768 Indian Sailors Stranded in Gulf Amid Maritime Attacks
The maritime corridors of the Persian Gulf have turned into a high-stakes waiting game for hundreds of Indian crew members. As of September 27, 2026, a total of 768 Indian sailors remain stranded on 28 Indian-flagged tankers and cargo ships due to ongoing security-related movement suspensions in the region.
Seafarers Caught in Regional Volatility
The scale of the crisis extends beyond the ships currently stuck at sea. According to the Directorate General of Shipping, an estimated 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently stationed across several Gulf nations and Iran. The distribution of these workers highlights the massive Indian presence in the region's maritime sector:
- UAE: 12,830 sailors