A Myanmar sailor whose ship has been anchored in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) told DVB on the condition of anonymity that they have been instructed by the Emiratis to follow strict security guidelines while awaiting to cross the Strait of Hormuz from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Oman. Around 150 ships are anchored in the UAE, according to the sailor.
“The [person who organizes the freight on the ship] has ordered our ship to wait,” a Myanmar sailor in the UAE, told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
Sailors are concerned about their ships being hit during the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Tehran blocked ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz on March 3 – three days after attacks began on Feb. 28, 2026.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime checkpoint, serving as a vital trade route for approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil. It has been listed as a danger zone by the Joint War Committee (JWC) on March 11 due to the war in the region, which has led to higher security risks for maritime navigation.
There are an estimated 500 sailors from Myanmar working on ships awaiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
