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.
The Ministry of External Affairs reported that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has claimed the lives of 14 Indian seafarers, with two still missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the need for safety measures and noted the advisory from the Directorate General of Shipping to avoid deploying seafarers in high-risk areas.
India contributes about 12% of the global maritime workforce, but Indian seafarers face significant risks. Recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in seven out of 16 fatalities being Indian. Additionally, they represent 18% of crew abandoned by shipowners globally, raising serious concerns about their welfare and safety at sea.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) plans to enhance its monitoring framework to include all Indian seafarers, irrespective of their vessel’s flag. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced this initiative, aiming to improve safety, regulatory oversight, and support for Indian maritime professionals globally, ensuring compliance with international labor standards.
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.
