A report from India’s Directorate General (Shipping) reveals that two Indian seafarers killed in a March 1 attack on the tanker Sky Light near Oman may not have had the necessary equipment to escape through portholes as fire engulfed the vessel. Captain Ashish Kumar and crew member Dalip Singh lost their lives.
Despite rising tensions in West Asia, around 23,000 Indian seafarers continue to work in the Gulf region, contributing to global maritime trade. The Directorate General of Shipping has implemented safety measures, including maritime security advisories and a 24/7 monitoring system, to protect these seafarers amid increasing violence.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep concern over the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in four seafarers’ deaths and three injuries. He underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect the approximately 20,000 seafarers at risk in the region.
The International Maritime Organization reports that approximately 3,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Middle East due to escalating hostilities, particularly affecting the vital Strait of Hormuz. This closure threatens global trade, impacting 20% of the world’s oil supply and raising concerns over potential humanitarian crises.
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.
