The Indian government has successfully repatriated over 2,922 seafarers from the Gulf, with 30 returning in the last 24 hours. Collaborating with various ministries, the government is ensuring their welfare amid a closely monitored situation in West Asia. Port operations remain stable, and flight services are gradually improving.
A 15-year-old boy from East Aceh, known as MY, was detained by Thai authorities while fishing during school holidays. Arrested alongside 19 other Indonesians in Phuket, he faced legal proceedings in a foreign country. After over six weeks, he was repatriated with support from the Indonesian Consulate and KRI Songkhla.
Seafarers returning from conflict-ridden Iran expressed despair over their situation. Manan Singh Chauhan recounted terrifying missile strikes, claiming, “On Eid, 70-80 missiles shook the ground.” Stranded in Khorramshahr, he and his crew awaited sign-offs. Criticizing government inaction, he lamented that half their salary went to travel costs.
India has repatriated 29 seafarers from the Gulf, raising the total to 2,829. Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Mukesh Mangal reassured that all Indian vessels remain safe, with no incidents reported recently. The government also dismissed viral claims of fuel price hikes as false, urging the public to verify information.
Over 2,400 sailors have been stranded for eight weeks in the Strait of Hormuz due to a blockade, with reports of dwindling supplies and rising fears of missile attacks. Indian captain Rahul Dahar and his crew face uncertainty, as Iran demands $2 million for vessel passage, complicating evacuation efforts.
The Liberian Registry has launched electronic seafarer documents and a mobile app, SEA360, streamlining crew certification. Seafarers can now access digital credentials, including Seaman’s Books and licenses, with QR codes for quick verification. This initiative enhances compliance and document integrity, setting a new standard for maritime documentation in the industry.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reassured that all Indian vessels and crews in the Persian Gulf are safe, despite rising tensions. Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal confirmed no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels, emphasizing active monitoring and successful repatriation efforts for over 2,800 Indian seafarers. Operations remain normal.
A Togo-flagged oil tanker, MT CHIRON 7, faced warning shots from Iranian authorities near Oman on April 25. Fortunately, all 17 Indian crew members aboard were reported safe. India’s Ministry of Ports emphasized the safety of Indian sailors and confirmed that port operations across India remain unaffected.
A significant search and rescue operation commenced after a crew member fell overboard from the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship off Massachusetts early Sunday. The incident, recorded on security footage, prompted immediate alerts and lifeboat deployments. Despite extensive efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard, the missing crew member has not yet been found.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on member states to assist seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflicts have led to vessel seizures and threats to maritime safety. He emphasized the urgent need for their release, stating, “they are not at fault,” as conditions continue to deteriorate.
Thousands of sailors from India and various nations are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating military tensions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard recently seized a vessel suspected of U.S. ties, while the U.S. intercepted another ship, further complicating maritime safety in this critical shipping corridor vital for global trade.
The Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee have expressed grave concerns for the estimated 20,000 seafarers stranded near the Strait of Hormuz. They urge ILO Member States to implement urgent protective measures, emphasizing the need for flag States and the shipping industry to prioritize safety amid ongoing conflicts.
The Philippine government is intensifying legal assistance for three Filipino seafarers detained in Algeria over a drug-related incident. The Department of Migrant Workers is collaborating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure adequate legal representation. Ongoing communication with families and government visits aim to monitor the detainees’ well-being.
India has confirmed the safety of 22 seafarers aboard two foreign-flagged ships targeted by Iran’s military in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Ports reported that the Panama-flagged container ships Euphoria and Epaminondas, carrying Indian crew members, are safe. The government is coordinating evacuations and ensuring the welfare of all nationals in the region.
India’s shipping ministry is concerned for Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz after reports of vessels being attacked. Fortunately, no Indian nationals have been injured. Mukesh Mangal confirmed that 22 Indian sailors were on board two targeted foreign-flagged ships, and 2,680 Indian seafarers have since been evacuated.
