Broken toilets, food shortage: Are US sailors trying to go overboard near Iran?

The prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iran and difficult conditions, including food shortages, have pushed some sailors to the breaking point, according to accounts shared by their families.A EA-18G Growler preparing to launch on the USS Abraham LincolnIt's been nearly 210 days since aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed in the Middle East. The prolonged deployment and difficult conditions, including food shortages, have pushed some sailors to the breaking point as the exhausted crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln wages US President Donald Trump's war against Iran. The situation is so dire that some sailors have attempted to jump overboard the aircraft carrier due to low morale, according to accounts shared by families of crew members with news outlets.The US and Iran have been exchanging tit-for-tat strikes after a fragile peace MoU signed in June collapsed. At the centre of the dispute is the control of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital strategic routes for crude oil trade. The US has also reinforced its blockade on Iranian ports, with around 20 warships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed across the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed in the Middle East in January this year SAILORS PUSHED TO BREAKING POINTWith no end in sight to the gruelling deployment, family members are now worried about the mental health of the sailors. "He's scared. He thinks he will get a dishonourable discharge," Annabelle Loma, whose husband was among those who tried to jump from the carrier, told US-based Military Times.Loma said she was informed about the alleged incident by the carrier's ombudsman. However, she has not received any communication from the US Navy. She said that her husband has now been put on "medical hold". It means that the sailor has been put under observation due to medical reasons. Another news outlet, The Cradle, reported that at least six sailors aboard the Abraham Lincoln had tried to jump overboard.In another incident, a sailor's wife said her husband saved his colleague in the nick of time. Maria Rodriguez told Military Times that her husband grabbed the sailor by the arms and pulled him back onto the deck as he attempted to go overboard. "He said he hadn't felt adrenaline like that in his life, and he was just so thankful to be able to get to (the sailor) in time," Rodriguez said.Separately, another sailor told Stars and Stripes that watch standers (who monitor the ship) intervened and stopped a fellow sailor from jumping overboard.FOOD SHORTAGE, BROKEN TOILETS ADD TO WOESSailors have also expressed concern over living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose deployment was supposed to end in May. It has since been extended indefinitely.In fact, the aircraft carrier has been at sea since November 2025, when it was deployed in San Diego. It was then redirected to the Middle East in January. Overall, the USS Abraham Lincoln has already logged 250 consecutive days at sea. Usually, ships deployed for long periods are sent to ports for routine replenishment and maintenance.During calls to their families, sailors and Marines have described a bleak atmosphere aboard the ship. According to a report in The Independent, sailors have complained of being served just a half-cup of rice and two tortillas for a meal. Essentials like soap and toothpaste are already out of stock.The relatives alleged that sailors have also flagged broken toilets, mouldy showers, and no laundry service for weeks aboard the ship. The US Navy, however, has not reacted to the claims. It has only stated that the "psychological readiness" of every sailor was being continuously monitored.The issues were pointed out to the US Navy acting secretary Hung Cao when around 200 family members attended a meeting in San Diego last week.While the US Navy official did not provide a timeline, he said that the USS Theodore Roosevelt would be sent to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln."The morale is not good. The ship's doctor or therapist said they need to hit port soon or people are going to start... losing their minds," Bonnie York, whose stepson is aboard the Lincoln, told The Independent.This is, however, not a one-off incident. Earlier this year, the USS Tripoli and the USS Gerald Ford were also beset by sewage problems and food shortages. Then, the US Navy had dismissed the reports as "false".Speculation had also emerged in May that a fire aboard the Gerald Ford in May could have been deliberately set by tired and worn-out sailors. The US Navy has launched a probe into the matter. The incidents and the present one at USS Abraham Lincoln highlight the tough grind the US sailors have been undergoing amid the prolonged Iran conflict.- EndsPublished By: Abhishek DePublished On: Aug 12, 2026 18:15 IST