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Merchant navy officer from Rajasthan among crew on India-bound container vessel seized by Iran
An India-bound container vessel, Epaminondes, was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew includes 21 members, among them a vice captain from Rajasthan; his family says they are safe but describe tense moments during the incident. The ship had been waiting near the strait for clearance to proceed to Mundra port in Gujarat, and the family has urged government action for the crew's safe return.
Why It Matters
The incident involves Indian nationals and highlights maritime safety and regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Timeline
6 Events
Sanjay Mahar’s career and recent duty assignment
April 24, 2026
Mahar has around 15 years of experience in the merchant navy and had left home about 20 days earlier for duty in Saudi Arabia.
Crew composition reported from multiple nationalities
April 24, 2026
The ship reportedly has crew members from India, the Philippines, Ukraine and Sri Lanka.
Family appeals for government intervention
April 24, 2026
The Mahar family said they have informed local MLA Jaideep Bihani and urged authorities to escalate the matter to the chief minister and prime minister to secure the safe return of all Indian citizens on board.
Vessel had waited near the Strait for 3-4 days for clearance to Mundra port
April 24, 2026
The vessel had reportedly been waiting near the Strait of Hormuz for the past three to four days for clearance to proceed to Mundra port in Gujarat.
Family says crew is safe; describes tense moments
April 24, 2026
Sanjay Mahar told his family that the crew is safe, but described tense moments during the incident, including firing from the Iranian side and the crew moving to a safe location inside the ship as it crossed the Strait.
Epaminondes seized by Iran’s IRGC in Strait of Hormuz
April 24, 2026
The Liberian-flagged India-bound container vessel Epaminondes was intercepted and seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship’s crew numbers 21 and includes a merchant navy officer from Rajasthan, Sanjay Mahar, who serves as vice captain.