A merchant vessel with four Indian nationals was struck at the Port of Odesa, Ukraine, leaving two crew members safe. Ongoing search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining two. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv is closely monitoring the situation amid heightened risks in the region due to ongoing conflict.
Police authorities have seized over 2.6 tonnes of cocaine in the Atlantic Ocean near Portugal, valued at approximately €500 million. The drugs were found on a speedboat used by smugglers to retrieve cargo from larger ships. Four individuals were arrested, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in European waters.
Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) to enhance India’s maritime infrastructure. This partnership will leverage EIL’s expertise in engineering and project management to support the DGMA in planning and executing various maritime projects, promoting sustainability and operational efficiency.
The cargo vessel Golden Leo sank off Odesa after being damaged by Russian shelling a week prior. Carrying corn from Chornomorsk, the ship lost nine crew members, with eight rescued. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as a breach of international maritime law, highlighting the escalating dangers in the Black Sea.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, resulting in one sailor’s death. Tehran summoned a Ukrainian diplomat, condemning the incident as a violation of the UN Charter. Ukraine claims its strikes targeted vessels facilitating military shipments between Iran and Russia.
On Sunday, the Indian government urged citizens to assess security conditions before accepting jobs in conflict-affected maritime zones, particularly the Black Sea. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted risks from missile and drone strikes, following recent incidents that resulted in the deaths of five Indian nationals aboard commercial vessels.
The Indian government has approved a financial package of Rs 69,725 crore to enhance the domestic shipbuilding sector. This initiative includes the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme with Rs 24,736 crore allocated to reduce cost disadvantages for Indian shipyards, alongside a Maritime Development Fund of Rs 25,000 crore for long-term support.
US Central Command has upheld its maritime blockade on Iran, redirecting 12 commercial vessels attempting to breach it. Two ships were disabled for non-compliance, while troops boarded two others to ensure adherence. These actions reflect ongoing efforts to maintain maritime security and prevent unauthorized activities in a geopolitically sensitive region.
Gujarat is set to enhance its maritime capabilities with the development of three greenfield shipyards and six new ports along its coast, representing a major expansion of India’s maritime infrastructure. The initiative, with an estimated investment exceeding Rs 35,000 crore, aims to position Gujarat as a leading hub for shipbuilding.
The United Nations has urged Gulf nations to aid in evacuating around 6,000 seafarers stranded in conflict zones due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. U.N. High Commissioner Volker Türk highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to ensure the safety of these maritime workers amid ongoing hostilities.
All 28 Indian crew members aboard the Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker DISHA are reported safe after an attack in Iranian waters, confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The embassy is coordinating with Iranian authorities, monitoring the situation closely. This incident raises concerns about the safety of Indian sailors in volatile regions.
Yemeni authorities in Sanaa have denied rumors of a blockade on the Bab al-Mandab strait. Mohammed Abdulsalam stated there is no closure, only a maritime ban on Saudi Arabia in response to ongoing sieges. He criticized Saudi involvement in damaging Sanaa International Airport since 2015, countering claims of a blockade.
An Indian sailor tragically lost his life when a commercial vessel was attacked in the Black Sea, prompting strong condemnation from India. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with authorities to ensure the safety of the remaining crew. This incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime personnel in conflict zones.
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. (SCI) has welcomed a second group of 24 trainees for the GP Rating and Certificate Course in Maritime Catering onboard the MV Swaraj Dweep. This initiative, part of the Structured Onboard Training Programme by the Ministry of Ports, aims to enhance maritime training and employability.
During the 21st East Asia Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for dialogue to resolve the West Asia conflict, emphasizing the need for safety in international waterways. He condemned attacks on seafarers and stressed that international law must govern maritime operations, highlighting the global economy’s vulnerability amid rising tensions.
