‘Every seafarer will be accounted for’:India orders 24×7 coordination, vessel-by-vessel tracking after sailor killed in Hormuz

The Centre has intensified maritime monitoring in West Asia after attacks on two merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz left one Indian seafarer dead and 10 others injured. Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday directed a comprehensive ‘seafarer-first’ response, including real-time monitoring of vessels, dedicated liaison officers for affected seafarers and 24×7 coordination among ministries and maritime agencies. The decision was taken during a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting chaired by Sonowal, with participation from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian Missions in Iran and Oman. Attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa The review followed attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. The two vessels together had 46 crew members, including 30 Indians. One Indian seafarer was killed and another injured aboard MT Al Bahiyah. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals were injured, including two who remain seriously injured. Sonowal expresses condolences Expressing grief over the incident, Sonowal condemned the attacks on civilian merchant vessels and said India had strongly objected to the attacks. He offered condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and wished the injured a speedy recovery, assuring that the government would provide all possible assistance to affected seafarers and their families. Vessel-by-vessel monitoring ordered Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping to create a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard to track every Indian seafarer operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, irrespective of the vessel’s flag. The dashboard will include real-time information on vessel position, ownership, cargo, crew strength, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port of call and available facilities. He said every Indian seafarer in the affected region must be individually accounted for and stressed that there would be no compromise on their safety and security. Dedicated liaison officer for every affected seafarer The minister directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for every Indian seafarer affected by the crisis. The officer will act as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, repatriation, welfare fund assistance, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and compensation. Coordination with Indian missions Sonowal asked officials to work closely with Indian missions in Iran, Oman, the UAE and other countries in the region, along with the MEA, to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, coastal advisories, route status, port-of-refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation, handling of mortal remains and ongoing investigations. He also said India had raised the issue with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the concerned flag administrations, adding that the government would continue efforts to protect seafarers’ safety and uphold international maritime law. Fresh threat assessment before every voyage The minister directed that every vessel movement through the affected region should take place only after a fresh threat assessment, the professional judgement of the ship’s master and coordination with competent maritime authorities. He also asked shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies to submit compliance reports confirming that no Indian seafarer is being forced to sail without adequate information, protection and support. 24×7 grievance support activated The government has activated a 24×7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families. Domestic toll-free: 1800-889-7768
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Email: enavik.24×7@gov.in Government reiterates seafarer-first approach Concluding the meeting, Sonowal said the government’s response would remain firmly focused on the welfare of Indian seafarers through coordinated efforts involving all ministries and maritime agencies, while ensuring the uninterrupted movement of global trade through one of the world’s most critical sea routes.