India Issues Travel Advisory for Seafarers to Avoid Syria Amid Security Concerns

India has advised its seafarers to avoid traveling to Syria and urged shipowners to steer clear of the country’s ports due to the recent downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Crew change operations should be rescheduled to other countries, and all prior commitments regarding crew changes in Syria should be reevaluated and postponed immediately, according to a notice from the directorate general of shipping. Additionally, owners are encouraged to enhance security measures on board and to avoid berthing vessels at Syrian ports to prevent potential risks to the safety of the vessel and its crew.

Loading and discharge operations should take place at other stable and safe ports in the region until further notice. The advisory comes after the storming of Damascus by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group and the reported flight of Assad to Russia. TankerTrackers reported that an Iranian-owned suezmax vessel, the Lotus, changed course in the Gulf of Suez and returned to Iran instead of delivering Iranian crude to Syria as planned.

Seafarers are advised to stay away from Syria, and vessel owners are urged to prioritize safety and avoid potential risks in the region. The situation in Syria remains unpredictable, and precautions such as running safety drills onboard are recommended. It is essential to monitor developments closely and take necessary measures to ensure the safety and integrity of vessels and crew operating in the area.

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