A cargo ship, the MV BARYON, with 23 Indian seafarers, was struck by a drone, on September 2. The drone targeted the accommodation area, igniting a fire that the crew managed to extinguish. Despite the incident, the vessel continued its journey under its own power, and fortunately, all sailors aboard were reported safe. FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav noted that a second drone was sighted during the attack; however, no injuries were recorded among the crew.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) released photos and videos illustrating the damage inflicted by the fire, emphasizing that the Indian sailors were simply fulfilling their professional duties and were not participants in any conflict. The union urged the Indian government—particularly the Ministry of External Affairs and the Directorate General of Shipping—to ensure the sailors’ safety and to take appropriate actions regarding their welfare, including securing higher wages for those operating in high-risk areas.
This event raises concerns following a series of attacks on vessels with Indian crews, including a prior assault involving 22 crew members in the Strait of Hormuz. The FSUI expressed distress over these confrontations and highlighted the need for enhanced protection for Indian seafarers, asserting their crucial role in global trade and the urgency to treat such incidents with seriousness.
