The recent phone call between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Iran’s Mohsen Rezaei focused on the safety of Indian seafarers amid rising regional tensions. The dialogue came in light of attacks on commercial vessels, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced maritime security in critical routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Two Singapore-registered container ships were attacked by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz. The GFS PRIDE sank after a fire ignited on October 13, but all 21 crew members were safely evacuated. The following day, the GFS GISELLE sustained hull damage yet reached safe anchorage with its crew unharmed.
Bulgaria is set to join a NATO anti-drone initiative by the end of October, following recent drone attacks that sank a cargo vessel off its Black Sea coast. Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov emphasized the urgency for enhanced regional defenses amid rising drone warfare risks linked to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A Singapore-flagged container ship, the GFS Pride, sank near the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by a projectile, amid rising regional tensions. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated. This incident marks the second vessel loss since the US-Iran conflict escalated, raising concerns over maritime security in the area.
Tehran has formally complained to the International Maritime Organization, accusing U.S. military forces of misusing VHF Channel 16. Iran alleges that these forces have transmitted threatening messages in Persian to Iranian seafarers, disrupting vital emergency communications and causing distress among civilian crews amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Piracy has fallen worldwide, but attacks off Somalia are rising and turning deadly. A piracy survival guide for seafarers: precautions before you sail, what to do if attacked, hostage dos and don’ts, and your rights while held.
In a swift maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted the fishing boat Haridwar Krupa, suspected of diesel smuggling off Mumbai. After failing to respond during a challenge, the vessel attempted to evade capture but was detained. Up to 4,000 liters of illicit diesel were discovered, highlighting ongoing smuggling threats.
On October 11, six commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting a concerning rise in assaults on merchant shipping. UK Maritime Trade Operations issued multiple warnings as unidentified projectiles targeted tankers, raising alarms over crew safety and escalating regional threats amidst ongoing U.S. efforts to maintain secure passage.
Two Indian seafarers remain unaccounted for after a drone attack on the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin in Oman. Of the 11 crew members, nine have been rescued, while search operations continue. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation amid rising violence against commercial shipping in the region.
Ten Filipino seafarers from the oil tanker M/V Yamilah III returned to the Philippines after a harrowing attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Upon landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, they were warmly welcomed by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, who provided essential assistance and support.
Increased attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea have put seafarers at growing risk. This guide explains your rights when sailing into war zones, including refusal options, extra pay, and protections under Indian law, IBF agreements, and the Maritime Labour Convention. Know your rights before you sail.
The crude oil tanker MT GEM No.2, with 22 Indian crew members, faced a drone attack while anchored in Sharjah, UAE, prompting swift reassurance from the Indian Government regarding the crew’s safety. The incident highlights the rising maritime threats in the Gulf and Black Sea, urging international collaboration for enhanced seafarer security.
Several vessels near Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, were ordered to vacate their anchorages on Saturday evening, following radio instructions from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This incident, classified as “suspicious activity,” has prompted an investigation, while other vessels are urged to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious occurrences.
Seventeen Filipino seafarers returned to Manila on October 9 after separate security incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. This group included 16 crew members from the M/V Kazimah III and one from the M/V Sinbad. They were repatriated safely with support from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In light of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a “rules-based” maritime order, emphasizing a secure and collaborative environment. He highlighted India’s commitment to shared prosperity through equitable access to maritime resources, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming India-EU Green Shipping Corridor initiative.
