Seafarers grapple with trauma after Strait of Hormuz crisis

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have left a lasting impact on seafarers passing through the region. Around 20,000 maritime workers were caught up in the crisis, with many still struggling to cope. The International Maritime Organization has highlighted the scale of the disruption caused by the US-Iran conflict. Rene, a seafarer stranded near the Strait, lived in constant fear during the height of the unrest. He and his crew heard explosions almost daily while at sea. Even now, he wakes in the night to the sound of loud noises, a lingering effect of the trauma.

His sleep remains uneven, with some nights worse than others. To move forward, Rene has begun training for a new job and is leaning on family support for recovery.

Chester, another sailor, is set to leave the Strait but admits the emotional toll has been hard to shake. Clifford, a Filipino crew member, has stayed in the area since the tensions flared and has witnessed missile and drone attacks firsthand.

Psychologist Elaine Maichin notes that the nervous system can stay on high alert long after the danger has passed. This heightened state explains why many, like Rene, continue to feel the strain. The crisis has deeply affected those who worked in the Strait. Many are now seeking ways to recover, whether through new work, family help, or professional support. The long-term effects on their well-being remain a concern for the maritime community.