The International Maritime Organisation’s Legal Committee is reviewing updates on seafarers’ fair treatment amidst rising concerns over arbitrary detentions and legal uncertainties. A joint report from ICS and ITF highlights the disconnect between international guidelines and local judicial practices, emphasizing the need for consistent application of due process in maritime cases.
ISWAN, in collaboration with the ISWAN India Association, is launching interactive sessions to support the wellbeing of seafarers, their families, and shore staff. Programs include the Family Outreach and Seafarer Education Awareness sessions, addressing the maritime community’s needs. Registrations close one week before each session. Visit ISWAN’s website for details.
The primary concern for the 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz is not food or water, but fear of missile strikes. This constant threat, coupled with isolation and anxiety, has severely impacted their mental health. Captains report living under psychological strain, as feelings of helplessness pervade their days.
Seafarers in the Gulf are enduring severe mental distress amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict. Stranded and facing imminent danger from drones and missiles, their psychological toll is profound. Families at home experience anxiety due to disrupted communication, while maritime charities strive to provide essential mental health support and resources.
The Q1 2026 Seafarers Happiness Index reveals a troubling decline in seafarer well-being, dropping from 7.35 to 7.01 following conflict in the Persian Gulf. Conditions are dire, with food and water shortages reported. Workload management has worsened, and stagnant wages contribute to a looming recruitment crisis among younger seafarers.
In a landmark decision, the Bombay High Court ordered the release of 50 seafarers stranded on detained vessels off Mumbai. The court condemned the ship owners for subjecting the crew to “dehumanizing” conditions, highlighting their survival on just 300 ml of water daily. Prioritizing human rights, the court emphasized the crew’s well-being over commercial interests.
The Indian government has successfully repatriated over 2,922 seafarers from the Gulf, with 30 returning in the last 24 hours. Collaborating with various ministries, the government is ensuring their welfare amid a closely monitored situation in West Asia. Port operations remain stable, and flight services are gradually improving.
India has repatriated 29 seafarers from the Gulf, raising the total to 2,829. Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Mukesh Mangal reassured that all Indian vessels remain safe, with no incidents reported recently. The government also dismissed viral claims of fuel price hikes as false, urging the public to verify information.
India has successfully repatriated over 2,764 seafarers from the Gulf, with around 1.3 million passengers returning from West Asia since February 28. The government assures the safety of all Indian seafarers, reporting no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. The Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring the situation for Indian nationals.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on member states to assist seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflicts have led to vessel seizures and threats to maritime safety. He emphasized the urgent need for their release, stating, “they are not at fault,” as conditions continue to deteriorate.
Thousands of sailors from India and various nations are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating military tensions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard recently seized a vessel suspected of U.S. ties, while the U.S. intercepted another ship, further complicating maritime safety in this critical shipping corridor vital for global trade.
The Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee have expressed grave concerns for the estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. They urge ILO Member States to implement urgent protective measures, emphasizing the need for flag States and the shipping industry to prioritize safety amid ongoing conflicts.
India’s shipping ministry is concerned for Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz after reports of vessels being attacked. Fortunately, no Indian nationals have been injured. Mukesh Mangal confirmed that 22 Indian sailors were on board two targeted foreign-flagged ships, and 2,680 Indian seafarers have since been evacuated.
The maritime crisis in the Middle East has left seafarers stranded in perilous conditions, facing physical threats and psychological strain. With essential supplies dwindling and vessels immobilized, the humanitarian situation worsens. Experts warn of the long-term mental health impacts, emphasizing the urgent need for support to alleviate the burdens on these crews.
India has successfully repatriated over 2,563 seafarers from the Gulf amid rising tensions linked to the US-Iran situation. Mandeep Singh Randhawa highlighted the government’s commitment to seafarer safety during an inter-ministerial briefing. The Directorate General of Shipping has managed thousands of inquiries, ensuring smooth operations despite regional unrest.
