Center Launches “Seafarer-First” Response Amid Hormuz Attacks; orders real time tracking of Indian crew | Today’s news
The Center has launched a comprehensive ‘Seafarer-First’ response to protect Indian crew members operating in conflict-affected West Asian waters, directing the creation of a real-time operational panel to monitor every Indian seafarer on board vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, irrespective of the ship’s flag.
The move comes amid an escalating maritime security crisis following attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that left one Indian sailor dead and several others injured.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting, directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to set up a vessel-by-vessel dashboard to monitor the location and welfare of Indian seafarers in the region.
The dashboard will provide real-time information on the vessel’s location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and available facilities.
“There can be no compromise on the safety and security of Indian seafarers,” Sonowal said, stressing that every Indian working in the affected region must be held individually responsible, irrespective of the flag of the vessel.
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Triggered by the Strait of Hormuz attacks
The assessment followed the attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz.
Together, the two ships carried 30 Indian sailors in a combined crew of 46.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, senior officials of the Ministries of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping and Indian Missions in Iran and Oman.
The officials reviewed the evolving security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, assessed the risks faced by Indian seafarers and assessed India’s contingency arrangements.
Liaison officers, 24×7 monitoring
As part of the response, Sonowal ordered real-time monitoring of vessels, round-the-clock coordination between ministries and maritime agencies, and the appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for each Indian seafarer affected by the crisis.
Liaison officers will act as a single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, repatriation, financial assistance under the Seafarers Welfare Fund, wages owed, contractual claims and compensation.
The minister also directed officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates to get verified updates on navigational safety, coastal advisories, shipping routes, port of refuge arrangements, medical evacuation, repatriation procedures, remains management and ongoing investigations.
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A fresh threat assessment before each voyage
Sonowal instructed that any vessel transiting through the conflict-affected area must undergo a fresh threat assessment before sailing, with voyages continuing only after expert assessment by the ship’s master and coordination with the relevant maritime authorities.
It also ordered ship owners, vessel managers and Recruiting and Placement Services (RPSL) agencies that employ Indian seafarers to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian crew member is forced to set sail without adequate information, protection and support.
India condemns the attacks
Sonowal expressed grief over the attacks and condemned attacks on civilian merchant vessels.
“India has expressed strong displeasure and objection to the manner in which defenseless civilian merchant vessels were attacked. These attacks resulted in the death and serious injury of Indian seafarers who ensure the smooth functioning of global supply chains,” he said.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of another of our brave and innocent sailors. We will ensure support and care for the affected families,” he added.
The government has also activated a 24×7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families through domestic and international toll-free helplines, WhatsApp and email.
