New Delhi: Three Indian seafarers lost their lives and another injured while serving on foreign-flagged ships in West Asia, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) announced Tuesday, according to PTI.
The agency simultaneously released an advisory urging maritime firms to evaluate risks tailored to each voyage, as intensifying conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran have led to disruptions along major trade routes.
“There have been four reported incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and one injured seafarer, all of whom were serving on board foreign-flagged vessels,” the Directorate General of Shipping said.
The DGS stated it has been monitoring the evolving maritime security scenario across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and nearby waters.
Noting that the recent geopolitical flare-ups pose dangers like missile strikes, drone operations, electronic disruptions, and broader maritime hazards, the DGS cautioned operators must stay on high alert, perform individualized risk checks for trips, and adopt stricter security measures.
Stakeholders have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and undertake voyage-specific risk assessments, and vessels operating in the region have been advised to maintain an enhanced security posture and bridge watch, ensure continuous communication readiness, and report any suspicious activity immediately, with transit through high-risk areas to be reviewed by operators based on prevailing conditions, the shipping authority said.
Referring to the incidents involving the Indian sea-farers, the DGS confirmed that other crew onboard are safe and out of harm’s way and all efforts are being made with involved parties to provide swift aid.
To sharpen response capabilities, the DGS has ramped surveillance and security checks, including live tracking of Indian vessels with more frequent updates and round-the-clock supervision.
Shipping companies have been directed to proceed carefully when assigning crew and to keep steady contact with seafarers and families.
Additionally, a specialised quick response team stands ready to streamline inter-agency efforts, tackle crises on the spot, and deliver fast help to Indian mariners and their kin.
