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Indian Captain Recounts Ordeal: Detained, Fired Upon by Iranian Navy

Captain Vijay Kumar and his crew were intercepted and fired upon by the Iranian Navy after a generator failure, despite being outside Iranian territorial waters. They were detained for weeks, paraded before media as alleged diesel smugglers, and pressured to sign documents. After a painful 80-day ordeal, which included time in prison and a perilous evacuation amid regional missile attacks, they were finally released following Indian diplomatic intervention. Kumar credited the Indian government, including PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar, for securing their safe return.

Key Points: Indian Seafarers Detained by Iranian Navy Share Harrowing Ordeal

  • Crew detained after technical fault
  • Fired upon outside Iranian waters
  • Paraded as alleged diesel smugglers
  • 80-day painful ordeal before release
  • Evacuation amid West Asia missile threats
2 min read

'We were paraded as smugglers': Captain Vijay Kumar recount ordeal after being detained by Iranian Navy

Captain Vijay Kumar details being fired upon, paraded as smugglers, and detained for weeks by Iranian forces despite being outside their waters.

"We were not even within Iranian territorial waters, yet they attacked us regardless. - Captain Vijay Kumar"

Mumbai, March 30

A crew of Indian seafarers recounted their ordeal after being detained by the Iranian Navy, following their returned they alleged that they were fired upon and held for weeks despite being outside Iranian territorial waters.

Speaking to the media, Captain Vijay Kumar said the incident began after a technical failure on board. "There was a technical fault in our generator, and... while we were attempting to restore power to the vessel - the Navy arrived shortly thereafter and intercepted us. Before we could even exchange a few words, they opened fire. We were not even within Iranian territorial waters, yet they attacked us regardless," he said.

Kumar alleged that the crew was taken into custody at gunpoint and pressured to sign documents. "They demanded that I sign a document; I refused. Subsequently, they detained us there for two weeks, after which they paraded us before the media and accused us of smuggling 6,000 litres of diesel," he added, claiming authorities did not provide sample reports despite repeated testing.

He said diplomatic intervention by the Indian Embassy eventually led to a hearing. "After spending approximately 50 days in prison, we were finally released," he said, adding that the crew then travelled nearly 1,800 kilometres overland via Armenia to return to India.

Describing the conditions, Kumar told ANI, "Our stay there... those 80 days were very painful. We didn't even know what was happening to us." He further said the vessel was left inoperable. "We had no GPS, no charts, and the radars weren't working... It's like driving a car at night without brakes or headlights."

The situation worsened amid the West Asia conflict, he said. "Missiles were falling on ships all around us... it felt like our turn was next." Kumar added that the evacuation was delayed due to procedural hurdles. Kumar also highlighted assistance from a local boatman during evacuation. "He said, 'I am saving your lives; I won't take money.' He was a very kind man," he said.

He further thanks the central government stating, "The Government of India took note of it. Honourable PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took this matter forward. Because of them, all the authorities involved, and the media, we are standing safely in front of you today."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Thank God they are back safe. The trauma they must have gone through for 80 days is unimaginable. The story of the local boatman refusing money shows humanity still exists even in conflict zones. My heart goes out to Captain Kumar and his crew.
R
Rohit P
While I'm glad our government intervened, why did it take 50 days for a hearing? The MEA needs to have faster response mechanisms for our citizens in distress abroad, especially in volatile regions like West Asia. The procedural delays are unacceptable.
S
Sarah B
The description of the ship being like a car without brakes or headlights is chilling. These men risk their lives for global trade. This incident highlights the immense dangers faced by merchant navy personnel. Their bravery is commendable.
V
Vikram M
Parading innocent men as smugglers on TV is a tactic to create a false narrative. Iran should provide a proper explanation and apology. India's diplomatic stance needs to be firm. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
The crew's resilience is inspiring. Stuck in a broken ship with missiles falling around... it's a miracle they survived. Kudos to the Indian embassy and the local boatman who helped. We need stronger international laws to protect civilian vessels.

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