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Rajasthan Sailor Stranded in Strait of Hormuz, Family Loses Contact Amid Tensions

A sailor from Rajasthan, Sanjay Mahar, is among 21 crew members stranded on a detained vessel in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions. The family lost contact after the ship was reportedly surrounded by Iranian forces, with reports of gunfire heightening fears. Local MLA Jaideep Bihani has appealed to Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma for urgent diplomatic intervention. The family anxiously awaits the safe return of all crew members as internet services remain suspended.

Key Points: Rajasthan Sailor Stranded in Strait of Hormuz, Family Anxious

  • Rajasthan sailor Sanjay Mahar stranded on detained ship in Strait of Hormuz
  • Family loses contact after 30 hours, fears of gunfire reported
  • MLA Jaideep Bihani writes to PM Modi and CM Bhajanlal Sharma for intervention
  • 21 crew members from India, Philippines, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka on board
2 min read

Rajasthan sailor among crew stranded in Strait of Hormuz; family loses contact​

A Rajasthan sailor, Sanjay Mahar, is among 21 crew stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Family loses contact, MLA urges PM Modi and CM Sharma for help.

"Strong intervention by the Government of India could help expedite their release. - Jaideep Bihani, MLA"

Jaipur, April 23

A family in Sri Ganganagar has been going tense after reports emerged that a Merchant Navy officer from the district is stranded aboard a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions.​

Local Member of Legislative Assembly Jaideep Bihani on Thursday has written to Prime Minister PM Modi and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, urging immediate diplomatic efforts. In a video message, he stated that an Indian ship has been detained, on which Sanjay Mahar is serving as Second Officer.​

He appealed to Prime Minister PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to take immediate steps to secure the safe release of Sanjay Mahar and all other crew members stranded on the vessel.

He added that strong intervention by the Government of India could help expedite their release.​

According to information, 38-year-old Sanjay Mahar, a Second Officer and resident of Riddhi-Siddhi Colony, is among the crew of a container ship that was reportedly intercepted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.​

The vessel, Epaminondas, sailing under a Liberian flag, was en route to Mundra Port in Gujarat. Family members said Sanjay had travelled to Dubai around 20 days ago and boarded the ship four days prior to the incident. The vessel was expected to reach Mundra Port by Thursday but was halted mid-journey after being denied passage through the Strait of Hormuz.​

His brother, Subhash Mahar, said that around 30 hours ago, as the ship attempted to move forward, it was surrounded by Iranian forces. Reports of gunfire during the standoff have heightened fears. Following the incident, crew members reportedly moved to secure areas within the ship.​

There are around 21 crew members on board, including nationals from India, the Philippines, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. Before communication was cut off, Sanjay had sent a video showing visibly anxious crew members.

With internet services now suspended, all contact has been lost, intensifying concerns among family members, who are anxiously awaiting updates.​

The family has appealed to the Central Government for urgent intervention to ensure the safety and safe return of all crew members.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
This is alarming! 21 crew members from different countries, including Indians, and communication cut off? Modi ji should personally ensure diplomatic channels are used to secure their release. Families must be going through hell.
R
Ravi K
Our Merchant Navy heroes risk their lives every day to keep global trade moving. The government needs to be more proactive in such crises—waiting for someone to write a letter is not enough. Hope Sanjay and others return safely. 🇮🇳
P
Priya S
It's concerning that the ship was sailing under a Liberian flag and was heading to Mundra. Our sailors are caught in geopolitical tensions not of their making. We need better protocols to protect Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels.
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Vikram M
My cousin works in Merchant Navy, and these stories always make my heart stop. The crew sending videos before losing contact shows how scared they were. I hope our MEA and Navy are working behind the scenes to bring them home safely.
R
Robert G
As someone who sails internationally, this hits close to home. Indian seafarers are among the best in the world, but they're often forgotten in geopolitics. The international community needs to step up too—this isn't just India's problem.
K
Kavya N
This is absolutely terrifying for the family

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