Heroic Journey of Indian Merchant Navy Amidst Conflict in Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz: A Treacherous Passage
New Delhi/Vadinar: The Strait of Hormuz has transformed into a perilous corridor amidst the ongoing conflict between the USA and Iran, where the threat of drones, missiles, and mines looms over every vessel. In this tense environment, a courageous officer from the Indian Merchant Navy recounted the harrowing journey of the LPG tanker 'Nanda Devi', which successfully transported over 46,500 metric tons of LPG back to India. The Chief Officer, whose identity remains confidential, shared in an interview, “The fear of drones and missiles was constant... missiles were visible in the sky, my heart raced, but I had to fulfill my duty.”
A Deadly Game in Hormuz: Officer's Perspective
The 'Nanda Devi', a vessel from the Shipping Corporation of India, set sail from Qatar loaded with LPG. At the beginning of March 2026, as the war escalated, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz had nearly come to a standstill. Iran had launched drone and missile attacks on several ships, resulting in at least two fatalities among seafarers. Insurance companies were refusing to cover vessels, and many crew members were ready to resign out of fear.
The Chief Officer recounted, “Around 2 AM, as we navigated through the narrowest part of the strait, we spotted bright lights in the sky. We realized missiles were incoming. The captain immediately alerted everyone and directed the crew to safety positions. Our ship was loaded with LPG—a small attack could lead to total devastation.”
Support from Indian and Iranian Navies: 'Trust Us, We Will Continue'
The officer expressed gratitude on behalf of the crew to the Indian Navy, the Shipping Corporation of India, and the Iranian Navy. He stated, “We witnessed how Indian destroyers were escorting us. Iran also provided some relief to neutral vessels, but the danger remained. We were 27 crew members—each with families waiting back in India. There was a fear that an LPG leak or an attack could end everything.”
Successful Voyage: A Testament to Duty and Patriotism
This journey was completed between March 14-17, 2026. The 'Nanda Devi' safely arrived at Vadinar (Gujarat) port, where the chairman of the Deendayal Port Authority met the crew and praised their bravery. Previously, another LPG tanker named 'Shivalik' had also traversed the same route. Together, both vessels brought approximately 93,000 metric tons of LPG to India, providing significant relief amid the country's LPG crisis.
The officer emotionally remarked, “We are part of the Merchant Navy—we do not fight wars, but we risk our lives to meet the country's needs. There was fear, but there was also faith that India would not leave us alone. We will continue to bring LPG even in crises. Trust us!”
India's Energy Security: Duty Amidst War
This narrative highlights the bravery of the Indian Merchant Navy and the triumph of diplomacy. The Strait of Hormuz remains dangerous, where Iran has implemented a $2 million toll system, leaving many ships stranded. However, the crew of 'Nanda Devi' has demonstrated that even in the shadow of fear, duty and patriotism take precedence.