Sixteen Indian seafarers stranded on an Iranian-owned oil tanker near Dubai are urgently seeking repatriation following a suspected drone attack that occurred on March 13. The crew of the MT AURORA reported that the incident left them with limited supplies and heightened safety concerns. During a recent Zoom call, crew member Umesh Kumar Panga recounted the explosion that shook the vessel early that morning, resulting in significant damage, including a destroyed lifeboat and a hole in the ship.
Despite the alarming circumstances, the ship’s management has pressured the crew to sail to Iran for loading operations, threatening salary withholding if they refuse. The seafarers, who have not received wages for over 40 days, have expressed their distress over dwindling supplies, with only two days’ worth of provisions remaining. They reached out to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the embassy for assistance on March 27, but a response only came on April 10 in the form of a basic information form.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) is actively involved, negotiating with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the ship’s management for the crew’s safe return. FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav emphasized the seriousness of the situation and ongoing logistical challenges in replacing the crew. While efforts to send relief crews have faced visa issues and local restrictions, there is cautious optimism that the stranded sailors may be repatriated soon. Meanwhile, the crew continues to wait aboard the damaged vessel, hoping for swift intervention.
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