Trapped for 115 days, cargo ship captain recounts ordeal in Strait of Hormuz
In late January 2026, the Banglar Joyjatra, a Bangladeshi bulk carrier, entered the Persian Gulf on what should have been a routine commercial voyage before continuing to South Africa. Instead, Captain Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and his crew became trapped for 115 days as conflict engulfed the Strait of Hormuz. He told RFI how the voyage turned into a fight to get his ship and crew safely out.
Where: South Africa, Mumbai, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Iran, United States, Washington
Exact coordinates
south africa: -30.560, 22.940
mumbai: 19.080, 72.880
united arab emirates: 23.420, 53.850
bangladesh: 23.680, 90.360
saudi arabia: 23.890, 45.080
dubai: 25.200, 55.270
iran: 32.430, 53.690
united states: 37.090, -95.710
washington: 38.910, -77.040
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