The Global-Ace: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a significant development, Iranian authorities released eight of the sixteen Indian crew members from the 'Valian Roar' on February 5, 2026, according to an official statement. The tanker was apprehended in international waters near Dibba Port, UAE, by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on December 8, 2025, amid allegations of smuggling approximately 6,000 tonnes of fuel. Consular access was promptly provided to the sailors, facilitating their impending return home pending completion of travel formalities. For the remaining eight crew members, India's diplomatic mission continues to liaise with Iranian officials to offer support and address their needs during this challenging period. Following the release of the tanker, alarming reports surfaced regarding the vessel's condition, which were flagged as being completely unseaworthy. Major concerns were raised about malfunctioning navigational and communication equipment, prompting an urgent recommendation for the evacuation of the remaining crew members still aboard.

On February 5, 2025, an Indian official confirmed that eight of the 16 Indian crew members from the vessel 'Valian Roar' have been released by Iranian authorities. The tanker was detained on December 8, 2025, in international waters near Dibba Port, UAE, by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who accused the ship of attempting to smuggle 6,000 tonnes of fuel. Following the release, consular access was granted to the remaining crew members. The eight freed sailors are set to return to India once all necessary travel arrangements are finalized. The Indian diplomatic mission continues to engage with Iranian authorities to assist the remaining eight crew members in addressing any needs they may have during this challenging situation.

Relatives of the 16 Indian crew members aboard the 'Valiant Roar' are increasingly distressed over their loved ones' uncertain fate as tensions escalate in the region. Since the ship was seized on December 8, 2025, while navigating international waters, families have turned to the Delhi High Court, urging it to direct the Indian government to secure consular access and ensure the crew's safe return. The 'Valiant Roar', managed by Dubai-based Prime Tankers LLC, was reportedly carrying 6,000 metric tonnes of illegal diesel, an allegation the company vehemently denies. Alongside the Indian crew, the tanker also had individuals from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Currently, ten Indian crew members are incarcerated in a Bandar Abbas prison while the remaining members remain on the ship. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has secured consular access for the ten detained sailors, with plans for the six remaining crew members to receive access once necessary permissions from the Iranian Navy and Prosecutor's office are granted. Families of the detained sailors have expressed grave concerns over the crew's living conditions, describing confinement in a cramped area of the ship with inadequate food and limited access to clean drinking water. The crew's communication with the outside world has been heavily restricted; although most personal devices were confiscated, one phone was returned, allowing occasional contact with their families. While the Iranian government had initially permitted consular access for the detained crew members on January 10, this initiative was reportedly stalled due to ongoing tensions within the country.

In a significant maritime incident, 16 Indian sailors aboard the tanker 'Valiant Roar' were apprehended by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on December 8, 2025. The vessel was intercepted while operating in international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The IRGC has alleged that the 'Valiant Roar' was involved in the illicit smuggling of approximately 6,000 tons of fuel. One of the detained crew members, Ketan Mehta, last communicated with his family on New Year's Eve, reassuring them of his safety. Due to the unfortunate loss of his phone, Ketan relied on a fellow crew member, oiler Pothi Diwakar, to relay messages. Ketan's father later managed to reach Diwakar, who confirmed that the IRGC had officially detained 10 of the crew members, including Ketan. Concerned for their loved ones, the families have reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy for assistance in this alarming situation.