JAISALMER: A vice captain from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district, serving in the merchant navy, has been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted and seized a vessel en route to India on Wednesday night.The IRGC reportedly stopped and took control of the container ship Epaminondes in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the 21 crew members on board is 38-year-old Sanjay Mahar, a resident of Sadbhavana Nagar in Sri Ganganagar district.Sanjay shared a video message stating that firing occurred from the Iranian side. “After the firing, all of us moved inside the ship for safety,” he said. He also shared visuals from inside the vessel. The ship has a total crew of 21, including nationals from the Philippines, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and India.According to Sanjay, he had left home around 20 days ago for Saudi Arabia and has been working in the merchant navy for the past 15 years. The Liberia-flagged container ship had been stationed near the Strait of Hormuz for 3–4 days, awaiting clearance to pass through. The vessel was headed to Mundra Port in Gujarat.“At around 8 am, as the ship began to cross the Strait, firing started from Iran’s side,” he said.Iranian naval authorities have claimed that the ship’s navigation system had been tampered with, posing a threat to maritime safety. Acting on this, the IRGC intercepted the vessel and escorted it toward the Iranian coast.Reports also suggest that another ship named Francesca, allegedly linked to Israel, has been seized, while a third vessel, Euphoria, was reportedly attacked near the Oman coast.Sanjay’s father, who resides in Sadbhavana Nagar, said he learned about the incident through media reports. However, his son has reassured the family that he is safe. The family has appealed to the administration and the government to ensure the safe return of all Indian crew members on board.Sanjay’s brother added that they have met local MLA Jaideep Bihani and informed him of the situation. The matter has also been communicated to the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister. The family remains hopeful that the Government of India will intervene promptly to secure the safe release of Sanjay and the other crew member.
