The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has successfully facilitated the timely welfare and repatriation of 15 Indian seafarers stranded in Guinea. After enduring non-payment of wages on the MV GOLDY SEVEN, the DGMA, alongside the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society and the Indian Embassy, provided immediate support for essentials and arranged their return to India.
Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was tragically killed during an attack on the MV Cape Dao near Oman. The bulk carrier, carrying 28 crew members—including 19 Indians—was struck by torpedoes. The Indian Embassy is coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure the safety and repatriation of the survivors.
On September 20, the Liberia-flagged LPG tanker M.T. Al Maryah was struck by a drone while navigating near the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, the vessel and its 19 crew members, including nine Indians, sustained no significant damage. Maritime authorities are now monitoring the safety of vessels and seafarers in the region.
During the 18th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network to protect crew members amid escalating maritime conflicts. This initiative aims to connect maritime authorities and diplomatic missions for distress alerts and medical assistance, addressing the urgent safety needs of seafarers in volatile shipping routes.
At least 173 Indian seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating attacks on commercial shipping. Recent incidents involving three vessels have raised safety concerns for Indian crews. India is actively monitoring the situation and advocating for seafarer safety while emphasizing the need to keep maritime routes open for global trade.
On September 2, the MV BARYON, a cargo ship with 23 Indian seafarers, was struck by a drone. The drone ignited a fire in the accommodation area, yet the crew extinguished the flames, continuing their journey with all crew members reported safe. The incident has raised safety concerns.
In a crucial meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed maritime safety for Indian seafarers with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The dialogue focused on the dangers faced by sailors in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising conflicts, emphasizing India’s commitment to securing the safety of its maritime workforce in volatile regions.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) plans to establish a training facility for seafarers in India, potentially accommodating up to 1 million Indian seafarers, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He highlighted India’s vast skilled workforce and encouraged Japanese companies to collaborate in maritime training, enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Seven Indian seafarers stranded on an oil tanker in Abu Dhabi for nearly 11 months have successfully returned home, as confirmed by the Indian Embassy. Ongoing efforts aim to repatriate the remaining crew, highlighting issues of unpaid wages and the welfare of maritime workers, emphasizing the need for labor rights.
The All India Seafarers Union has expressed alarm over rising C1/D visa rejections for Indian seafarers aiming to work on cruise ships. They reported an influx of inquiries from both new and experienced seafarers facing denials, warning that even one rejection can severely impact a seafarer’s career and future opportunities.
India’s maritime regulatory authority reports the tragic loss of 15 seafarers and two missing amidst rising conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea. At the National Port Security Conference, DGMA’s Shyam Jagannathan warned of increasing maritime security threats, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and coordination for seafarer protection.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is in touch with the families of two Indian nationals missing after the MV AG N Ragnar was attacked near Ukraine’s Odesa port. Four crew members were aboard, with two confirmed safe. Search operations are ongoing, coordinated by Ukrainian and Romanian authorities.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, reviewed the safety of Indian seafarers in conflict areas amid rising geopolitical tensions. He prioritized their welfare, emphasizing support from the Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Missions. Enhanced training and mental health resources were discussed to ensure comprehensive care for seafarers and their families.
Thirteen Indian seafarers are stranded aboard the MV AMIR1 at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, facing life-threatening conditions due to ongoing drone and missile attacks. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has urgently called for action from shipowners and government officials to ensure the crew’s safety and facilitate their evacuation.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
