India, April 9 -- A day after returning from the war-torn waters of Iraq, where he was stranded on the Iraqi vessel 'Diva' in the port of Basra, Rex Pereira swore that he would never return to the shipping sector.

The traumatised sailor recalled the "scary explosions" near their ships, the frightened crews with bags packed and ready to flee anytime, and their sleepless nights keeping a watch for sudden attacks. He spoke of how he and his three Indian shipmates would video-record explosions on nearby ships, and told HT that they would send the videos to, and share updates with, the Indian Embassy.

Hailing from Bhayander's East Indian community, Pereira moved from a job in the airline sector to work as a sailor in October 2025 but ended u...