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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Joanna Partridge

‘Like being in prison’: the ship crews stuck in Gulf since February

A drone view shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Musandam, Oman
‘The vessels are not prepared to defend themselves against missiles and drones’: ships in the strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman. Photograph: Reuters

The panicked crew of a cargo ship broadcast a distress signal late on Monday night from their location in the strait of Hormuz. About 20 nautical miles north of the coast of Oman, the Minoan Pioneer bulk carrier was hit by an unknown projectile, causing a blackout in the engine room and a fire in the accommodation area.

The crew scrambled to put out the blaze and called for help from nearby vessels. When they managed to disembark from the Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged ship on Tuesday morning, they realised the third engineer was missing. Days later, he is yet to be found.

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