Cyprus has officially endorsed the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, as announced by the International Chamber of Shipping. This endorsement aligns Cyprus with other flag states, emphasizing the guide’s importance for the health and safety of maritime workers. Training institutions are advised to integrate it into medical courses.
The Indian government reported that twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers are under surveillance in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Ports confirmed all seafarers are safe, with no incidents in the last 24 hours. Ongoing coordination with maritime stakeholders ensures their welfare and smooth port operations across India.
Seafarers’ helplines report a surge in distress calls from crews trapped in the Gulf amid ongoing conflict. Many urgently seek repatriation, compensation, and essential supplies. Critical shortages of food and water are escalating health concerns onboard. The ITF has received over 1,000 communications, highlighting the dire situation faced by 20,000 stranded seafarers.
South Korean and Japanese coast guards have resumed a joint rescue operation for a missing Indonesian crew member near Dokdo Island. The individual fell overboard from a fishing vessel 195 kilometers northeast of Dokdo. The search involves multiple vessels and underscores the cooperation between the two nations in maritime safety efforts.
Parents of four Indian seafarers stranded on the DIVA near Basra, Iraq, are pleading with the government for urgent repatriation. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the need for immediate evacuation due to the vessel’s proximity to active bombardment zones.
The Sailors’ Society has launched an emergency appeal for seafarers impacted by the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. CEO Sara Baade highlighted the plight of innocent crew members, like 25-year-old Dalip, who lost his life in a missile strike. The charity urgently seeks donations to support affected families.
In the past 24 hours, the Indian Shipping Ministry reported no incidents involving Indian ships or seafarers, confirming the safety of all 540 crew members in the Persian Gulf. This announcement aims to alleviate concerns amid rising maritime tensions, highlighting the government’s commitment to protecting its maritime workforce and ensuring their safety.
A joint maritime operation by Iran and Oman has successfully reached the damaged Thai-flagged vessel Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz. While 20 crew members evacuated, three remain unverified aboard the ship. Thailand’s Foreign Minister seeks updates on their safety and emphasizes the nation’s neutrality in regional conflicts.
On March 25, 2026, the Myanmar Seafarers Federation (MSF) announced a survey to assess the experiences of seafarers and their families regarding social development. Captain Soe Min Aung highlighted the importance of understanding seafarers’ needs, particularly concerning collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts, to enhance their rights and protections.
A new pilot program aims to revolutionize the maritime sector by introducing digital identity systems for seafarers, replacing traditional paper verification. Launched by SITA, Columbia Shipmanagement, and IDsure, this initiative will streamline identity checks and enhance operational efficiency, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in maritime operations.
BIMCO has launched “Seafarers Deserve Fairer Seas,” a film highlighting the urgent need for better protections for the global maritime workforce. Coinciding with a position paper on maritime workforce sustainability, the initiative addresses the challenges faced by seafarers, particularly amidst geopolitical tensions and rising mental strain due to current crises.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) chief has raised urgent concerns about seafarer safety in the Persian Gulf. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, it’s crucial to protect these workers. Enhanced oversight of flag states is vital to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations, safeguarding both seafarers and shipping operations globally.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has urgently called for government action to protect seafarers amid rising dangers in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton emphasized that immediate, practical measures are necessary to ensure the safety and dignity of seafarers facing attacks and severe conditions.
In a recent Lok Sabha address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the urgent need to facilitate the return of Indian seafarers stranded in the Gulf due to the West Asia crisis. With 778 seafarers reported stranded, families of two missing individuals have appealed for government intervention to locate their loved ones.
DESGAGNÉS has successfully repatriated three trainees from the Institut maritime du Québec, stranded in the Persian Gulf since February 28. Amid security uncertainties, a coordinated effort with local maritime agents and Saudi authorities ensured their safe return to Canada. IMQ provided crucial support, addressing the trainees’ needs during this challenging period.
