The maritime sector is operating smoothly, with no port congestion reported. Authorities are ensuring the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of trade, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels are in the Persian Gulf, and all Indian seafarers are safe.
Eight Indian seafarers returned to Mumbai after surviving a missile attack on their oil tanker, Sky Light, near Oman. Stranded for over a week, they lost all belongings in the fire. Now, grappling with trauma and uncertainty, they contemplate leaving the profession for the safety of their families.
Seafarers trapped in the Gulf are enduring severe conditions, rationing food and water as they await supplies amid Iran’s blockade. An Indian sailor reported dwindling drinking water, resorting to boiling what little they have left. With crew members departing, remaining sailors face increasing uncertainty, heightening the urgency for timely provisions.
The tragic discovery of 57-year-old tugboat captain Sorin Tufan, a former UEFA Champions League player, has shocked the local community. Despite reviving efforts, he was pronounced dead. Search teams are now tirelessly working to recover four missing crew members, raising urgent questions about the circumstances of this devastating incident.
During a recent International Maritime Organisation meeting in London, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the urgent need to enhance the safety of merchant ships. He addressed the tragic loss of sailors due to ongoing conflicts, advocating for a framework to secure their safe evacuation and protect them from geopolitical tensions.
Australian authorities have detained the crew of the MV Raider after intercepting nearly 5 tonnes of cocaine in the Pacific. The Australian Border Force took all 11 crew members into custody, transferring them to immigration detention. Concerns for their welfare have been raised, as legal complexities unfold regarding their detention.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has urged Filipino seafarers to exercise caution in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas due to rising tensions. Reports of military actions, including missile and drone strikes, have led to the designation of these regions as Warlike Operations Areas, increasing risks during deployments and crew changes.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported on March 18 that all Indian seafarers in the Middle East are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. Currently, 22 ships with 611 Indian seafarers are operating in the western Persian Gulf, while the Directorate General of Shipping monitors the situation closely.
Merchant seafarers stranded on Dutch vessels in the Middle East will now receive hazard pay equal to double their salaries. This significant change, facilitated by Nautilus International, comes after negotiations led to the reclassification of the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas as ‘War Zones,’ ensuring better compensation for those affected.
As tensions escalate in West Asia, Social Media posts voice the plight of thousands of seafarers. Highlighting their dire conditions, these posts describe the area as a “powder keg.” With 500-700 vessels trapped, the emotional toll on crews grows as they await a resolution.
The Liberian Registry has launched two innovative online platforms to simplify processes for seafarers, enabling easy application for sailing documents and online licensing examinations. These initiatives enhance convenience for maritime professionals, reflecting the industry’s adaptation to technological advancements and addressing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are facing escalating dangers, prompting global maritime unions to extend support. Recent attacks on merchant vessels have raised safety concerns. The International Bargaining Forum has classified the area as a ‘Warlike Operations Area’, activating protective measures for seafarers, including enhanced compensation.
On March 12, 2026, the Hellenic Statistical Authority released findings from a 2024 ship and crew census. It revealed 1,107 active ships, predominantly Greek-owned (91.2%). These vessels employed 18,822 seafarers, with a notable increase in female employment, rising from 1,237 in 2020 to 2,048 in 2024, a 65.6% increase.
Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 55-year-old seafarer from Mumbai, tragically lost his life in a tanker attack near Basra, Iraq. Just before his voyage on MT Safesea Vishnu, he was called to join the crew. Singh’s family suspects understaffing led to the last-minute decision, leaving them in shock over his death.
The Director General of Shipping, alongside the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Baghdad, is facilitating the repatriation of Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 54-year-old engineer who died during an attack on the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu. His body is expected to return to India next week.
