On July 4, the Indian Navy deployed a Sea King helicopter to rescue an injured seafarer from the crude oil tanker MT Desh Shakti off Mumbai’s coast. Despite heavy rain and poor visibility, the crew utilized a rescue basket to stabilize the injured member before transporting him for urgent medical care.
During a high-level roundtable in Mumbai, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) reaffirmed India’s commitment to seafarer welfare. Key discussions, involving industry leaders and maritime unions, focused on enhancing policies for accountability and inclusivity, addressing challenges like safety and shore leave, and emphasizing continuous skill development in a digitalized maritime landscape.
The last rites for Dixit Solanki, a Mumbai seafarer killed in a Gulf of Oman attack, were held after a long wait for his remains. His tragic death highlights the growing dangers faced by Indian sailors in conflict zones, leaving his family devastated and raising urgent calls for improved maritime safety measures.
The remains of 32-year-old seafarer Dixit Solanki, who died in a missile strike off Oman, were returned to Mumbai on Sunday. His family awaits DNA confirmation before conducting final rites. An advocate plans to petition the Bombay High Court for forensic testing, emphasizing the need for verification before proceeding.
The Director General of Shipping, alongside the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Baghdad, is facilitating the repatriation of Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 54-year-old engineer who died during an attack on the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu. His body is expected to return to India next week.
Veteran Indian marine engineer Deonandan Prasad Singh tragically lost his life when a drone struck the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu near an Iraqi port. The sole fatality among 28 crew members, Singh succumbed to injuries after being evacuated. This incident underscores the escalating dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
A fishing vessel named Sea Princess caught fire and sank off the coast of Mumbai on March 8, injuring one crew member. All seven aboard were safely evacuated as local fishing boats and the Indian Coast Guard responded to the emergency. An investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.
More than a week after the tragic death of Mumbai seafarer Dixit Solanki aboard the missile-struck oil tanker MT MKD Vyom, his family has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in repatriating his remains. They expressed deep anguish over the lack of information regarding his body.
The recent turnaround of Celebrity Millennium at Mumbai’s Ballard Pier underscores the city’s ability to meet global cruise standards while retaining its local charm. With 2,062 guests onboard, this event demonstrated Mumbai’s capacity for high-volume cruise operations, enhancing hospitality and efficiency, and signaling potential for future lucrative itineraries in the Arabian Sea.
Columbia Group has expanded its operations into India with a new office in Mumbai, reinforcing its global growth strategy. The office aims to hire 220 professionals, enhancing regional coverage and service capabilities. CEO Mark O’Neil highlighted the importance of localized operations for delivering high-quality maritime solutions and sustainable growth.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted RPREX-2025 off Mumbai’s coast to bolster maritime environmental safeguards amid increasing trade risks. This multi-agency exercise involved a simulated oil spill from a tanker collision, showcasing coordinated responses with commercial partners and local authorities, validating the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) hosted the 3rd IALA Council Meeting in Mumbai from December 8–12, 2025, with over 60 delegates from 30 countries. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the event, highlighting India’s growing role in maritime standards and launching a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism.
Mumbai is gearing up to be a major shipbuilding hub, with plans for “Made-in-Mumbai” passenger vessels and cruise ships. The state secured investments worth ₹55,719 crore to enhance shipbuilding and port infrastructure during the India Global Maritime Summit 2025. Initiatives aim to boost India’s maritime leadership and sustainability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai on October 29, 2025, to address the Maritime Leaders Conclave as part of India Maritime Week. Scheduled for 4:00 PM at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, the Global Maritime CEO Forum will focus on sustainable growth, resilient supply chains, and strategies for a green economy.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) will host India Maritime Week 2025 from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai. Under the theme “Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision,” the event aims to position India as a global maritime hub, featuring over 100,000 delegates and significant international participation.
