Bhubaneswar: In a heartwarming homecoming, Odia marine engineer Ashok Kumar Dixit returned to Odisha on Saturday evening after enduring 36 days of peril aboard an LPG-laden vessel trapped in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional conflict.
Dixit, serving as chief officer on the Indian-flagged LPG carrier, was among hundreds of Indian seafarers stranded as tensions in West Asia disrupted maritime traffic. The ship, carrying a significant cargo of liquefied petroleum gas bound for India, faced dangerous conditions with missiles reportedly passing overhead and nearby vessels coming under threat. Several Indian ships encountered severe challenges during the crisis, but coordinated efforts ensured their safety.
Upon landing in Bhubaneswar, Dixit was joyfully reunited with his family. He expressed profound gratitude to Lord Sri Jagannath, stating, “I returned to Odisha only by the grace of Lord Jagannath, the blessings of my well-wishers, and the prayers of the people of Odisha.”
He saluted the Indian Navy and Government of India for their tactical and discreet rescue operations. “The situation was very dangerous. Missiles were passing over our heads, and nearby ships faced attacks. Our company and the Indian authorities cooperated fully. The Navy and government rescued us in a very professional manner,” Dixit recounted.
He considered himself blessed to serve his countrymen and thanked all Indians who prayed for the stranded sailors. His safe return brought immense relief to his wife and daughter, who had anxiously awaited him during the long ordeal.
