Key facts
- Ferry captain Farouq continues daily crossings of the Strait of Hormuz despite increased danger.
- Attacks have damaged 760 fishing and commercial vessels in Bandar Abbas, according to Iranian government sources.
- The tourism sector on Hormuz Island has been severely impacted by the conflict.
- Residents of Hormuz Island are attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy and freedom.
Life along Iran's Strait of Hormuz continues amidst wartime conditions, with residents and workers adapting to the ongoing conflict. Ferry captain Farouq described his daily commute from Bandar Abbas to Hormuz Island as more dangerous and less patronized since the war began on February 28, though crossings have not ceased. Passengers have become accustomed to the sounds of explosions emanating from the strait.
Fishermen and port workers in Bandar Abbas are also facing significant challenges. Anvar Sadat, a fisher, noted that movement is restricted and business has slowed, with several colleagues killed in attacks. Abdul Salam, a garbage collector, described heavy attacks near the port during the war's height.
On Hormuz Island, life has seen fewer direct impacts, though the tourism sector has suffered significantly as visitors have largely stopped coming. Residents are attempting to maintain a sense of freedom and support each other, with some restrictions in place on the northern part of the island. Despite the ongoing conflict and visible signs of stranded tankers, many residents, like painter Khaleh Kaniz, express no intention of leaving their homes.