Odisha Seafarer Endures 31 Terrifying Days in Conflict-Hit Strait of Hormuz
After a harrowing 31-day ordeal stranded near the volatile Strait of Hormuz while transporting a fuel vessel amid escalating West Asia hostilities, Ashok Kumar Dixit from Odisha finally returned home late Saturday night. The experienced seafarer described navigating what he called one of the most terrifying experiences of his maritime career.
A Journey Into Danger
Dixit, a native of Cuttack serving as chief officer of the vessel, left home on February 24 for Visakhapatnam, from where his ship with 48 crew members set sail for Qatar. The vessel, carrying liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas, began its return journey on February 27 but became stranded just 30 miles from the narrow yet strategically vital Hormuz channel.
"We reached the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tension," Dixit recounted after reuniting with his family at Bhubaneswar airport. "It was really a tough situation. There was destruction and devastation everywhere."
31 Days Under Constant Threat
For the next 31 days, Dixit and his crew members remained trapped under constant fear of missile fire, air strikes, and naval alerts. The officer described witnessing thousands of ships stranded in the strait as hostilities intensified between regional powers.
"I have seen ships on fire. There were shipwrecks almost everywhere," Dixit said, recalling the scale of maritime disruption. "The movement was restricted due to continuous missile strikes and military warnings."
Close Encounters With Danger
The dangers were immediate and tangible rather than abstract threats. Dixit revealed that missiles landed alarmingly close to their vessel, with casualty figures nearby painting a grim picture of the conflict's maritime toll.
"My phone would buzz every time a missile hit somewhere nearby," he described. "You could feel the shock waves even at sea. Every alert felt like it could be our last."
Iran issued repeated warnings during the peak conflict, cautioning ships not to cross the Hormuz channel and stating that any vessel attempting movement could become a potential target. "Those who didn't listen were attacked," Dixit noted soberly.
Navigating Through Military Control
During the standoff, their LPG vessel was placed under Indian Navy control, with movement permitted only after receiving clearances from multiple military and diplomatic authorities. "Our ship moved only after we got the green signal on March 29," Dixit explained.
Even after receiving clearance, the journey out of the strait remained perilous. Dixit described fighter jets flying extremely close to the ship as it passed through the volatile waters. "While bringing the ship out, fighter jets were flying so close that we could clearly see them. It was frightening," he recalled.
Survival Challenges at Sea
The crew faced significant logistical challenges during their extended confinement. Dixit noted that while non-vegetarian crew members had adequate provisions, vegetarians had to adjust with simple dal (lentils). Drinking water also became a concern, though the crew managed to ration their supplies effectively.
Homecoming and Family Relief
The ship eventually reached Chennai port on April 5 after a week's journey from the conflict zone, and Dixit returned to Bhubaneswar on April 11—36 days after initially leaving home. His safe return brought immense relief to his family and friends who had endured weeks of anxiety.
His wife Srutirekha Sahoo expressed the family's constant fear during her husband's ordeal. "We prayed to the lord every day and our prayers have been answered," she said. "We thank the people and government for their constant support during this difficult time."
The experience highlights the growing risks faced by international seafarers navigating through conflict zones, particularly in strategically vital maritime corridors like the Strait of Hormuz where global energy supplies transit through volatile regions.
