The body of Shivanand Chaurasia, an Indian seafarer killed in a US military strike, has returned to his village in Deoria. His family mourns deeply, demanding justice, including ₹1 crore compensation and martyr status. They initially refused last rites, seeking a second post-mortem amid their grief and demands for accountability.
At the G7 summit in France, US President Trump praised his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting ongoing US-India trade talks. Modi raised safety concerns for Indian seafarers in the volatile Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risks, reaffirming US-India cooperation and support for Indian maritime crews.
At the G7 summit in France, Prime Minister Modi raised urgent concerns about maritime security after a US military strike killed three Indian sailors off Oman. Modi emphasized the need to protect Indian seafarers and global shipping, urging international cooperation amid mounting Middle Eastern tensions threatening vital energy trade routes.
BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, INTERCARGO, and INTERCARGO have condemned the recent attacks on seafarers and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. With 46 confirmed assaults since February 28, 2026, resulting in 14 fatalities, they stress the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of maritime operations and uphold international law.
India’s Ambassador to Oman, Prashant Pise, met with the 21 crew members of the MT Settebello before their repatriation, commendably acknowledging their resilience. He expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of three sailors during the attack and reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting Indian nationals in distress.
Vanuatu’s maritime authorities are addressing the shortage of qualified Ni-Vanuatu seafarers by enhancing training programs and creating new career pathways. The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority and Maritime College are appointing a new CEO to drive reforms, ensuring local seafarers meet international standards and secure employment on various vessels.
The bodies of Indian seafarers Aditya Sharma and Shivanand Chaurasiya, killed in a US strike on the vessel MT Settebello off Oman, were repatriated to India. This follows the earlier rescue of 21 other crew members. The Indian Embassy expressed condolences, while details on a third victim remain undisclosed.
In response to rising safety concerns for Indian seafarers amid recent vessel attacks in West Asia, the Directorate General of Shipping has launched e-Navik 24×7, a digital grievance redressal platform. This initiative enables seafarers and shipping companies to submit and track complaints in real time, enhancing support and efficiency.
The Mission to Seafarers welcomed the recent agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary General Peter Rouch highlighting its potential for regional stability. However, he cautioned that the impacts of ongoing conflict will affect seafarers and their families long-term, emphasizing the need for improved welfare measures and safety protocols.
Over 562 Indian sailors have been stranded for 107 days on 13 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman due to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The situation has led to uncertainty at sea, with ongoing efforts to address crew welfare and individual vessel incidents.
The recent spike in attacks on ships and seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz has been strongly condemned by key maritime organizations. Citing 46 incidents and 14 deaths since February 2026, they stress urgent respect for international law, immediate protection for seafarers, and de-escalation to ensure maritime security and free navigation.
An Indian national, 35-year-old Nishanth Uirthanathan, passed away due to medical complications aboard the MT Celestial at Duqm Port, Oman. The Indian embassy in Muscat confirmed arrangements for repatriation of his remains. This incident follows the recent deaths of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. strike, raising political concerns.
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, led by Mukesh Mangal, is prepared to bolster seafarer repatriation from West Asia as needed. With 562 Indian seafarers currently aboard 13 vessels and recent maritime security incidents raising concerns, the Ministry has already facilitated the safe return of over 3,537 seafarers.
A tragic incident involving the Palau-flagged MT Settebello has claimed the lives of three Indian seafarers, whose bodies have now been identified. Sarbananda Sonowal expressed heartfelt condolences, highlighting the profound loss for the maritime community. This incident underscores the inherent risks of sea travel and the sacrifices made by seafarers.
All 20 Indian crew members of the tanker MT Jalveer were safely evacuated after U.S. forces disabled the vessel during a blockade enforcement operation in the Gulf of Oman. This incident, the third involving Indian seafarers in a week, raises significant concerns over their safety amid escalating maritime tensions.
