He is concerned about the ongoing attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea region, as is his crew.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attempting to board ships or launch missiles at them nonstop since November.
They have pledged to keep attacking an essential route for international trade despite airstrikes led by the US and the UK.
Because of security concerns, Captain Chirag chose not to reveal his full name or the name of his ship. He claims that on the day of the airstrikes, his company instructed him to prepare an evacuation plan in order to reach a safe place. It wasn’t necessary in the end.
Risk of inflation due to disruptions in the Red Sea warned
How do attacks in the Red Sea affect international trade?
Who are the Houthis targeting ships in the Red Sea?
In recent weeks, missiles have struck multiple ships; however, no casualties have been reported.
There are approximately 1.9 million men and women who work on ships worldwide, according to the welfare organization Mission to Seafarers. When combined, they transport 90% of the world’s goods via sea.
Captain Chirag describes the strain that the attacks are causing while speaking from his ship in the Gulf of Aden.
“The safety of the crew, their life, it comes first and after that safety of the vessel and environment,” he states.
“You can never have mental tranquility. You’ll be anxious. My family, too, is constantly afraid, and they were fervently hoping that the vessel would leave this area unscathed.”
He says he has spoken to crews on other ships, and they are likewise pretty terrified.
