Iran Navy Chase, Gunfire, Arrests: How 16 Indian Sailors Got Trapped in Tehran Custody

Sixteen Indian sailors have been stranded in Iran for more than a month after their merchant vessel was allegedly chased, fired upon and seized by Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, triggering a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis amid escalating unrest inside the country.

The crew members, all aboard the oil tanker Valiant Roar, have either been detained on the vessel or transferred to Iranian prisons following an incident that unfolded on December 8, 2025, in international waters near the UAE. With Iran currently witnessing one of its bloodiest internal crackdowns in decades, families of the detained sailors have now sought urgent intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approaching the Delhi High Court after repeated appeals to authorities failed to yield results.

Chase in international waters

According to accounts shared by families and crew members, the tanker Valiant Roar, operated by Dubai-based Glory International FZ LLC, was sailing near the UAE’s Dibba port after being released from technical anchorage when it was pursued by armed Iranian vessels.

Captain Vijay Kumar, who was commanding the tanker, reportedly made a frantic call to relatives in India, saying the ship was being chased despite clearly operating in international waters. Moments later, gunfire was heard, communications were cut, and the vessel was boarded by Iranian forces.

Family members allege that the Iranian navy opened unprovoked fire, causing damage to the tanker and injuring crew members before forcibly seizing control of the ship.

Allegations of smuggling denied

Iranian authorities accused the vessel of smuggling nearly six million litres of diesel, a charge strongly denied by the ship’s operators and crew families. They claim the tanker was carrying very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and that Iran rejected independent fuel sample reports without justification.

The vessel was later taken to Bandar-e-Jask, a strategic Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

Crew confined, devices seized

Once seized, all 18 crew members — including 16 Indians, one Sri Lankan and one Bangladeshi — were allegedly confined to a single room on the ship. Their mobile phones, laptops and communication devices were confiscated, and they were allowed limited movement under armed escort.

Only the ship’s captain was reportedly permitted to make short calls each day. No formal detention orders or written charges were shared with the crew or their families, raising concerns over violations of international maritime norms.

Arrests and prison transfers

The situation worsened on January 6, when ten crew members were taken off the vessel under the pretext of recording statements. Instead, they were arrested and shifted to Bandar Abbas prison, accused of smuggling.

Among those jailed were senior officers, including the chief officer and engineering staff. Families say they received only a brief phone call confirming the arrests, after which all contact ceased.

Relatives of several sailors say they have not heard from their loved ones at all since the arrest.

Food shortage and mental trauma

The remaining eight crew members who are still on the vessel are reportedly facing acute shortages of food, surviving largely on rice, lentils and water. According to messages relayed to families, supplies may last only a few more days.

Families say the prolonged detention, lack of communication, and fear arising from Iran’s violent internal unrest have taken a severe psychological toll on the sailors.

Families approach court, seek PM’s intervention

After weeks of limited progress through official channels, families approached the Delhi High Court, which has now directed the Centre to submit a status report. The Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the situation, stating that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of Indian nationals.

With India announcing evacuation plans for its citizens from protest-hit Iran, families hope the detained sailors will be prioritised.

As Iran remains gripped by mass protests, internet shutdowns and violent crackdowns, the fate of the 16 Indian sailors continues to hang in the balance — turning a routine maritime voyage into a prolonged international ordeal.