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.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The High Commission of India in Accra has successfully repatriated nine Indian crew members from the M/V Rahaf Moon, who had been stranded in Ghana. This operation exemplifies effective diplomatic efforts, showcasing collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority and other partners to ensure the crew’s safe return to India on July 23, 2026.
Four Indian seafarers lost their lives and one was critically injured when the MV Golden Leo, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel, was struck by a missile while departing Ukraine’s Port of Odesa. This tragic incident marks the first fatalities among Indian seafarers since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Five crew members from the MV Berkat Tuah have returned home after being stranded in Dubai for months. They disembarked on July 18, following efforts by the Malaysian Consulate. The crew, owed six months’ salary, expressed relief and gratitude, with one member prioritizing family time after their ordeal.
Women make up just 1% of the global seafarer workforce, a statistic that has seen little improvement despite industry commitments to diversity. A recent survey of shipping leaders highlights ongoing challenges, particularly an aging workforce and the urgent need for trained crews. Enhanced welfare and training programs aim to attract more women.
John Merrone, a former U.S. merchant ship captain, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of drugging and sexually assaulting a USMMA cadet aboard the cargo ship Liberty Glory. The incident, which occurred in 2019, involved administering an intoxicating substance without consent, resulting in significant scrutiny of maritime conduct and policies.
The ISWAN SeafarerHelp 2025 Annual Review highlights critical issues for seafarers, with contractual breaches and wage theft comprising 25.4% of helpline cases. Abandonment rates surged to 6,223, exposing systemic exploitation. Financially, abandoned seafarers are owed $25.8 million, with a significant portion still disputed, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory reform.
India contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce, but Indian seafarers face significant risks. Recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in seven out of 16 fatalities being Indian. Additionally, they represent 18% of crew abandoned by shipowners globally, raising serious concerns about their welfare and safety at sea.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has upgraded its online booking platform, adding 340 daily appointment slots for seafarers. This enhancement addresses inefficiencies by recycling canceled slots for immediate use, improving access to Seafarer’s Record Books and Identity Documents. Seafarers are encouraged to check the eGovPH app frequently for updates.
In 2024, nearly 20% of seafarer fatalities were due to work-related incidents, as reported by the International Labor Organization (ILO). A total of 449 deaths were recorded, with illness, particularly cardiovascular issues, being the primary cause. Work-related incidents accounted for 86 fatalities, highlighting urgent safety and medical support needs.
The Mission to Seafarers Singapore (MtSS) has launched a Centenary Appeal to fund its vital welfare services, celebrating 100 years of support for seafarers. With over 140,000 vessels handled annually, MtSS aids 20,000 seafarers each year, requiring S$950,000 to maintain and expand its critical services and outreach.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, irrespective of their vessel’s flag. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this initiative, aiming to improve safety, regulatory oversight, and support for Indian maritime professionals globally, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
India’s campaign for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat for 2028–29 emphasizes maritime security and safe sea lanes. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched the initiative at the UN, highlighting the need for a rules-based maritime order and addressing issues like piracy, seafarer safety, and global trade disruptions.
The Iran-US conflict indirectly impacts India, particularly its seafarers. As tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, Indian sailors face increased risks, with many losing their lives or being stranded. This situation highlights the urgent need for protective measures, emphasizing the human cost of geopolitical strife on maritime workers.
