The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) is launching “Sagar Mein Yog” (SMY) to enhance seafarers’ well-being. This initiative includes various wellness modules, such as brahmari, or “bee breath,” promoting relaxation. Seafarers with a valid Indian Continuous Discharge Certificate must complete the course through a dedicated Learning Management System within a year.
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has assured the safety of Indian seafarers as maritime traffic resumes in the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial corridor supports global trade, especially energy and cargo shipments, and its revival alleviates concerns among shipping operators, with authorities monitoring the situation for continued safety and stability.
Indian nationals make up about 12% of the global merchant shipping workforce, facing heightened risks due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran easing some tensions, threats to commercial shipping persist, leaving seafarers and their families in a state of uncertainty regarding their safety and future.
The Centre updated on the Persian Gulf maritime situation, confirming the safe repatriation of over 3,639 Indian seafarers. Director Opesh Kumar Sharma highlighted ongoing safety measures for vessels and crews. In the past 72 hours, 47 seafarers returned home, and operations in Indian ports remain stable, with no congestion reported.
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.
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.
The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) has formally protested to the US Ambassador regarding the deaths of three Indian seafarers in recent military actions. Expressing “deep pain and anguish,” SJM criticized the US response as insensitive and called for an impartial investigation, accountability, and compensation for the victims’ families.
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.
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.
Four Indian sailors stranded for ten months on the Mongolia-flagged AZRA C off Turkey’s coast have finally been rescued. The ship, docked near Istanbul since August 2025, was abandoned after its owners were arrested. Conditions deteriorated, prompting the ITF to provide essential supplies during their ordeal. Legal actions are ongoing.
Four Indian sailors, stranded for ten months on the abandoned AZRA C off Turkey, have been rescued, confirmed by the ITF. The crew faced worsening conditions after the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug bust. This incident highlights the alarming rise in global seafarer abandonment, particularly affecting Indian nationals.
Four Indian sailors have been stranded for nearly ten months on the abandoned container ship AZRA C in the Sea of Marmara. Maritime regulations prevent their departure, while the ship’s owners were arrested during a drug trafficking investigation. The crew’s situation is dire, with increasing mental strain and health issues.
The Central government confirmed on Thursday that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 72 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maritime operations.
Ten Indian seafarers detained in Iran for nearly a year have been successfully released, as announced by the Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India. This development brings relief to their families after months of uncertainty following the vessel’s seizure in the Gulf. Diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in their release.
On May 21, the Ministry of Ports confirmed that Indian seafarers in West Asia are safe despite regional tensions. Mukesh Mangal assured no incidents involving Indian vessels occurred recently. The government is monitoring the situation closely, with over 3,300 seafarers repatriated and plans to send ships if conditions permit.
