Indian seafarers return from war-hit Iran: 'Lost all hope of coming home'
Indian seafarers who escaped war-torn Iran and arrived back in Mumbai on 1 May 2026 described harrowing conditions aboard stranded vessels — with missiles landing nearby, Iranian crewmates abandoning ship, and no sign-offs from their captains. The sailors credited the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) with facilitating their return after what they described as a near-total absence of government assistance.
Missiles, Abandoned Ships, and a Ground That Shook
Manan Singh Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh, who had travelled to Tehran in October 2025 as a Trainee Wiper, said the situation aboard his vessel deteriorated rapidly as the conflict intensified.
