On July 4, the Indian Navy deployed a Sea King helicopter to rescue an injured seafarer from the crude oil tanker MT Desh Shakti off Mumbai’s coast. Despite heavy rain and poor visibility, the crew utilized a rescue basket to stabilize the injured member before transporting him for urgent medical care.
The Navi Mumbai police have dismantled an employment scam, arresting two individuals for defrauding 17 job seekers of ₹41.75 lakh. The accused promised high-paying positions on foreign ships but failed to deliver. A case has been filed against 12 suspects, as the investigation continues into the fraudulent operation.
The Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct has urgently sought international assistance for the crew of the hijacked tanker MT HONOUR 25. Held captive for over two months, their health is deteriorating, with inadequate food and unsafe water. Immediate action is needed to secure their release and provide essential support.
The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has launched an investigation into the case of Rakesh Chauhan, an Indian seafarer whose remains were returned with missing organs. Following a request from the Indian Embassy in Venezuela, the DGMA is verifying facts and has appointed surveyors for an independent inquiry.
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITWF) and the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) have extended the designation of the Strait of Hormuz as a “Warlike Operations Area” until July 9. This decision follows recent attacks on cargo ships, highlighting ongoing risks for seafarers, who will continue to receive double pay in the region.
Greece has arrested the captain of a Bahamas-registered cruise ship after a passenger fell into the water at Corfu’s port on July 1. Strong winds caused securing lines to snap, leading to the incident. The captain faces charges for endangering a passenger’s life and neglecting his duties during the event.
During a high-level roundtable in Mumbai, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) reaffirmed India’s commitment to seafarer welfare. Key discussions, involving industry leaders and maritime unions, focused on enhancing policies for accountability and inclusivity, addressing challenges like safety and shore leave, and emphasizing continuous skill development in a digitalized maritime landscape.
Interlink Shipping Services’ Managing Director, Ashish Kumar, urgently urged the Fijian government and MSAF to address a severe reduction in shipping services between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu due to a shortage of skilled seafarers. This situation compromises safety and disrupts vital passenger and freight transport. Immediate action is essential.
The family of Rakesh Chauhan, a 33-year-old Indian seafarer whose body was repatriated from Venezuela, is demanding a thorough investigation after a second autopsy revealed missing internal organs. Initial reports claimed he died from fall-related injuries, but the shocking findings raise serious questions about the circumstances of his death.
India and Seychelles have strengthened maritime cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ training and certification. This agreement, a result of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, enables qualified Indian seafarers to work on Seychelles-flagged vessels, enhancing employment opportunities and aligning with global maritime standards.
On May 14, 1986, the Pride of Baltimore sank during a fierce storm, catching its crew off guard. Survivor Scott Jeffrey described the chaos as they scrambled for survival. After hours in damaged life rafts, they faced limited supplies and emotional strain, relying on each other until rescue arrived four days later.
Immigration officials at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport recently apprehended six individuals over two months for attempting to travel abroad with counterfeit seafarer documents. These fraudulent papers, allegedly issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, aimed to secure jobs in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, suggesting an organized crime network.
The Mission to Seafarers raised $506,000 during its inaugural Maritime Mountain Race on June 27, 2026. With 32 teams participating in the Swiss Alps, funds will support vital welfare programs for seafarers. The event showcased remarkable teamwork and spirit, culminating in a barbecue and awards ceremony, celebrating the participants’ achievements.
Egypt is intensifying efforts to secure the release of the crew from the tanker Eureka, seized by pirates off Somalia since May. The Foreign Ministry is committed to this cause, supporting the families of the 22 crew members, including eight Egyptians, amid stalled negotiations and rising ransom demands.
The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City will offer free training for Filipino seafarers starting August 3. Approved by the Department of Migrant Workers, this initiative aims to ease the financial burden of mandatory training costs. It includes 22 programs, marking a significant change in NMP’s history.
