The Federation of Seafarers’ Unions of India wants urgent action for 22 crew on MV New Born near the Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman. Nineteen are Indian. The union says the ship received a threat reportedly from the Iranian Navy, and crew asking to sign off have had no reply.
Recent maritime security warnings highlight the threats to shipping in the Middle East. A tanker was disabled by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while another vessel was reported on fire in the Persian Gulf. Both incidents underscore rising violence affecting commercial shipping and increasing risks for vessels.
This week’s maritime roundup puts seafarer welfare in focus: October became the deadliest month for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, 82% of professionals say training falls short, Vizhinjam restarts crew changes, and green ports, ethanol bunkering and new fuel technologies reshape life on board.
Crew change management is harder than ever for Indian manning companies in 2026. Hormuz deployment bans, rising refusals and a global officer shortage are delaying reliefs. This practical guide explains eight steps RPSL offices can take to plan earlier, search available seafarers first, cut wasted recruitment effort and relieve crews on time.
Crew change problems are back in 2026, driven by the Gulf conflict, costly flights and strict travel rules. This practical guide explains what MLC 2006 says about time on board and repatriation, and gives seafarers seven clear steps to take, and where to get help, when their relief date keeps slipping.
Escalating attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea are alarming Cyprus’s shipping industry, raising safety concerns for seafarers and increasing insurance costs. Recent violence, including the sinking of commercial vessels, has intensified fears for maritime operations, jeopardizing vital trade routes and exacerbating international trade costs.
This week’s maritime roundup tracks escalating attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, confirmation that 24 Indian seafarers are safe, DGMA’s Sarawak deployment ban, India’s One Nation One Port reforms, record inland waterway cargo, dramatic rescues at sea, and new training and retrofit tools shaping seafarer safety.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated the nation’s readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within one week, conditional on U.S. compliance with Tehran’s seven demands. Despite a response from the U.S., discussions have stalled. Araqchi insists genuine U.S. commitment is essential to move forward and ensure regional security.
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.
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.
Iran is currently assessing the U.S. response to its proposal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that Tehran will relay its reply through intermediaries, with Qatar and Pakistan facilitating ongoing discussions. Tensions persist as Iran seeks clarity on its conditions for negotiation.
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.
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.
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.
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