Seafarers

DG Shipping asks carriers to restrict Indian seafarers deployment in Hormuz

DG Shipping has advised shipping companies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf region amid escalating security risks and attacks on commercial vessels

'Engine failure' sinks Indian vessel off Oman coast; 14 onboard safe

The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed all 14 crew members of MSV Virat 1 were rescued, while efforts continue to repatriate a deceased Indian sailor from Oman

Shipping min orders restricting deployment of Indians in conflict zone

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders, days after three Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello were killed after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast. DG Shipping in a circular said masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, are advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings received and advisories issued from Security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and Company Security Procedures. "This Directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency

Indian Embassy working to repatriate body of seafarer who died in Oman

The Indian Embassy in Muscat on Sunday said it was working to facilitate the earliest repatriation of the body of an Indian national who died due to medical complications aboard a vessel in Oman waters. In a social media post, the mission said it remained in close touch with the family members of Nishanth Uirthanathan, crew members of the vessel MT Celestial and the concerned authorities. However, it did not provide details of the medical conditions that led to Uirthanathan's death. "The Embassy remains in active coordination with local Omani authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Mr Nishanth Uirthanathan, who unfortunately died onboard MT Celestial due to medical conditions," the mission said in a post on X. It further said that the vessel is soon expected to berth at Duqm port, located in the southeastern coast of the Gulf country. "Necessary arrangements have been made for prompt recovery of the mortal remains from the vessel," it said. "The Mission is

MEA summons US envoy again over attacks on ships carrying Indians

India lodged a strong protest with the US over attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers, while the UN and Iran condemned the incidents

Three missing Indian seafarers aboard MT Settebello confirmed dead: Sonowal

Three Indian seafarers onboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, initially reported missing, are now confirmed dead, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday after bodies were located and identified. It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello, Sonowal said in a social media post. "Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified," he added. The minister added that this is a "profound loss to our maritime family". "The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin," he added. Sonowal said he has directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites. India on Wednesday summoned the US charge d'affaires to strongly protest a US military attack on a commercial ve

Three Indians missing after missile hit on commercial tanker off Oman

MEA says attacks on commercial shipping are a direct consequence of the ongoing regional conflict and calls for de-escalation and safe navigation

Indian seafarers safe after Iran firing in the Strait of Hormuz: Govt

Government confirms safety of 22 Indian seafarers after Iranian forces fired on foreign vessels in the Strait of Hormuz; Indian tanker Desh Garima reaches Mumbai

Long days, longer nights: Seafarers trapped in West Asia navigate a war

Shared meals, regular work schedules, communication with families seeing them through uncertainty

Safety mechanisms activated for seafarers amid West Asia tensions: Sonowal

The government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, adding that all necessary mechanisms have been activated to ensure the safety and welfare of seafarers and maritime assets. The Middle East is facing military turmoil where the US and Israeli forces are at war against Iran, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz - a major passage for vessels. The war has intensified since the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday, attacks carried out by the US. Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday chaired a review meeting to assess the prevailing security environment in the Persian Gulf and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel. "We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have activated all necessary precautionary, monitoring and coordination mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of our seafarers and the security of our ..

Exporters, vessel operators at sea over stranded ships, Indian seafarers

DGFT, DGS officials have met stakeholders over past two days to discuss issues they are facing

Indian crew world's most abandoned seafarers in 2025, figures show

Indians are the most abandoned nationality of seafarers for the second consecutive year as 1,125 cases of abandonment were logged at the end of 2025, a UK-headquartered global union of transport workers has found. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) said that abandonment worldwide hit record levels last year as it released new data showing 6,223 seafarers abandoned across 410 ships. The ITF welcomed the Indian government's "blacklisting" measures to protect its seafarers from ships as a result of repeat abandonments and other bad practices. "It's nothing short of a disgrace that, yet again, we are seeing record numbers of seafarers abandoned by unscrupulous ship owners," said David Heindel, Chair of the ITF Seafarers' Section. "Every day, all around the world, seafarers face horrific violations of their human and labour rights, all so that bottom-feeding companies can make a quick buck at their expense. "It's very clear that this is a systemic issue in the indust

India raises seafarer abandonment crisis at IMO; secures seat at council

India has called for effective measures to resolve the issue of seafarer abandonment and ensuring the safety of maritime workforce, an official statement said on Wednesday. A high-level Indian delegation led by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary T K Ramachandaran raised the issue at the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. In recognition of its continued commitment to address seafarers' issues, India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the joint tripartite working group, it said. "India, an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasised the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment," the statement said. The delegation pointed out that despite efforts, there are 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers, the statement added. "India's strong stance on the need for effective measures and oversight to resolv

Project initiated to collate data of Indian seafarers in jails abroad

The Maritime Union of India (MUI), which represents merchant navy officers, has initiated a 'Service to Stranded Seafarers' project

Indian seafarers' body inks 6 pacts worth Rs 225 cr with shipping regulator

The six MoUs are to the tune of Rs 225 crore in a span of five years

Global investors call for end to seafarers marooned at sea due to Covid

A group of investors called for an end to a crisis involving hundreds of thousands of seafarers stuck on ships for months due to Covid, warning the situation was creating bigger risks every day

Amazon's Jeff Bezos called upon to save thousands of stranded seafarers

Industry bodies including the International Chamber of Shipping wrote an open letter urging Bezos to exert pressure on the incoming Biden administration and other leaders

Merchant Navy union collaborates with UN to help stranded Indian seafarers

Travel restrictions mean some cannot leave their ships or be repatriated home, or even get urgent medical assistance

Unilever, P&G push suppliers to rescue more than 300,000 seafarers

The letter, which was sent Wednesday to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is the latest call to address a growing humanitarian crisis at sea brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic

World Coronavirus Dispatch: Air travel picks up on domestic flight recovery

US sets new one-day record with 60,500 cases, Russian deaths cross 11,000, bringing home seafarers stuck on ships and other pandemic-related news across the globe