Stranded in the Strait of Hormuz

5/29/202627 min

While the United States and Iran have each signaled that they may be making progress toward a peace deal, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Thousands of crew members have been stranded in the shipping channel since the war broke out three months ago.

Two seafarers who got stuck in the strait explain what it is like to be trapped in a war zone, and what it would mean to get everyone out.

Guest: Capt. Virendra Vishwakarma, who managed to leave the Strait of Hormuz, and Aung Thu Khant, a seafarer who is still stuck.

Background reading:

Read the latest updates on the war in Iran.
Thousands of civilian sailors have been stranded in waters surrounded by a conflict zone because of the war.

Photo: Reuters

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Clips

First 90 seconds

Speaker 00:00
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Natalie Kitroeff· Host0:24
From the New York Times, I'm Natalie Kitroeff. This is The Daily. The US and Iran are each signaling that they may be making progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they haven't reached a deal yet, and the crucial shipping channel remains shut. Hanging in the balance are thousands of crew members who have been stranded on their ships since the fighting started three months ago. Today, we hear from two seafarers who got stuck about what it's like to be trapped in the middle of this war zone, and what it would mean to get everyone out. It's Friday, May 29th. Can you hear me?
Virendra Vishwakarma· Guest1:23
Yeah, I can hear you loud and clear.
Natalie Kitroeff· Host1:26
Okay, great. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with