Seafarers now have the right to refuse sailing in the Middle East Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, due to heightened regional threats. New agreements ensure companies cover repatriation costs and provide increased pay, with compensation doubled for death or disability. Protections are crucial for those facing dangerous conditions.
As tensions mount in West Asia, 38 Indian-flagged ships, carrying around 1,100 seafarers, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. This situation raises serious concerns for maritime safety and global trade. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has convened a review to address these issues and ensure the safety of Indian personnel.
On March 1, the Vietnamese tanker SAND, en route to Iraq, received a distress call from the burning MKD VYOM. Captain Bui Duc Tuan decided to divert and assist. Navigating through the night, the crew rescued all 21 sailors from the lifeboats, showcasing remarkable courage and solidarity in a dangerous situation.
On Wednesday, a nationwide 24-hour strike by seafarers grounded ships across Greece, disrupting maritime traffic. Initiated by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, the strike addresses the plight of sailors stranded in the conflict-ridden Middle East. Union officials warned against sending vessels into the area due to severe security risks.
Around 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers are stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating conflict from the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, as reported by the UN’s International Maritime Organization. Greek seafarers have initiated a strike, urging the region’s designation as a war risk zone to facilitate repatriation.
Greek Seafarers’ unions are set to strike for 24 hours on March 5, demanding the safe return of mariners trapped in the Persian Gulf. They condemn shipowners for prioritizing profit over safety, exposing seafarers to perilous conditions amid escalating military tensions. The unions call for urgent action to protect lives and rights.
The Directorate General of Shipping reported that three Indian seafarers have died and one was injured amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The incidents occurred on foreign-flagged vessels, while no casualties have been reported involving Indian-flagged ships. Maritime security in the region is a growing concern due to escalating tensions.
The Directorate General of Shipping has formed a Quick Response Team to address emergencies and evacuate Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, prompted by recent vessel attacks near Oman, aims to ensure timely support and safety for crew members, while the Indian Embassy coordinates efforts for repatriation.
The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has placed seafarers in a dangerous position, prompting urgent calls from maritime organizations for the protection of civilian shipping. Recent attacks, including a fatal strike on the tanker MKD VYOM, highlight the escalating risks in the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious safety concerns.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that assaults on innocent crews are unjustifiable. He urged shipping companies to exercise caution and avoid the region, while emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and verified information.
On March 1, 2026, India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways warned seafarers to stay vigilant amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Shipping urged compliance with advisories and advised against deploying Indian personnel to Iran, emphasizing caution while navigating Iranian waters and nearby regions.
Kolkata recently hosted a significant Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare, organized by the Directorate General of Shipping. Key stakeholders, including RPSL holders and industry officials, discussed enhancing India’s maritime manpower ecosystem. Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde addressed challenges in recruitment, emphasizing transparency and ethical practices to protect seafarer rights.
A fire on a cargo vessel off Oman left 24-year-old Indian seafarer K. Gopianan unaccounted for. In his last message, he reported the fire and that he was following the captain’s orders. Over two weeks later, his family remains frustrated by the lack of updates on search efforts.
From February 10-12, the Anglo-Eastern Univan Group hosted a crew conference in Manila, gathering around 600 Filipino officers and global leaders. Centered on the theme ‘Delivering Excellence,’ CEO Bjorn Hojgaard emphasized the importance of preparing people alongside ships, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to safety and high standards in maritime operations.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended 19 Filipino crew members of the Cymona Eagle for their heroic rescue of Finnish rower Jari Saario. After his boat was damaged in a storm, the crew navigated treacherous conditions to save him, showcasing exceptional seamanship and humanitarian spirit.
