MONTREAL – Mélanie Leblanc, the director of Quebec's maritime institute, announced that three students who were stranded in the Persian Gulf for over two weeks have successfully returned home in good spirits. The students landed in Quebec on March 20, 2026, following a journey that involved flying from Saudi Arabia to London and then onto Canada.

These trainees, affiliated with a program organized by Quebec-based shipping company Desgagnés, were stationed on two vessels in the turbulent region of the Persian Gulf. Unfortunately, the vessels experienced operational difficulties due to geopolitical tensions, specifically when Iran blocked most traffic through the Strait of Hormuz starting on February 28, 2026, as part of the ongoing conflict in the area.

Leblanc shared that she was able to communicate with two of the students via video conference soon after they arrived home, highlighting their positive emotional state despite the challenging circumstances they faced while stranded at sea.

As of now, the students and their families have opted to refrain from engaging with the media, as noted in a statement released by the maritime institute. This decision is likely influenced by the stressful and complex nature of their recent experiences.

The situation emphasizes the challenges faced by those involved in maritime training programs, particularly in regions experiencing political unrest. The maritime institute and Desgagnés are now reviewing safety protocols to avoid such situations in the future and ensure the well-being of their students during international assignments.

This report underscores the resilience of the students and the support offered by their educational institution and parent company in navigating such unforeseen hurdles.