Parliament Question: Welfare of Seafarers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5557 ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026 WELFARE OF SEAFARERS 5557. SHRI K E PRAKASH: Will the Minister of PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: प(cid:517)न,पोत प(cid:303)रवहन और जलमाग(cid:330) मं(cid:361)ी (a) whether the Government has taken note of reports that several Indian-flagged merchant vessels and over a thousand Indian seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether incidents linked to the conflict have resulted in casualties among Indian seafarers serving on foreign-flagged vessels, if so, the details thereof; (c)the measures taken by the Government to ensure the safety, communication and possible evacuation of Indian seafarers operating in the region, if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government is coordinating with naval and international authorities to secure safe passage for Indian ships and crew in affected maritime routes, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL) (a) Yes, the Government has taken note of reports regarding Indian-flagged merchant vessels and Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf region in view of the evolving security situation in West Asia. This Ministry along with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Missions in the region are closely monitoring the situation. Continuous communication is being maintained with shipping companies and Indian seafarers to assess their safety and operational status. (b) Yes, the details are enclosed at Annexure. (c) Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), a subordinate office of this Ministry,has undertaken measures to ensure the safety, communication, and preparedness of Indian seafarers in the region. Multiple advisories (Nos. 01/2026, 08/2026, 09/2026, 10/2026,11/2026 and 14/2026) have been issued covering, inter alia, avoidance of deployment of Indian seafarers to Iran, strict compliance with advisories of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India, Tehran, enhanced vigilance and security drills, voyage-specific risk assessments, implementation of Ship Security Plans, mandatory reporting protocols, and registration with the Embassy of India, Tehran. Seafarers have also been advised to limit unnecessary movement, follow local safety protocols, and coordinate for safe repatriation, along with measures to prevent dissemination of unverified information. A 24×7 Quick Response Team and control room have been established in DGS to monitor the situation, provide assistance, and coordinate repatriation. Coordination is maintained with Indian missions, Indian Navy, maritime security agencies, IFC-IOR, ship owners and international authorities. The situation is being closely monitored and necessary steps are being taken to ensure safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers. The DGS has convened high-level meetings with shipping companies, RPSL agencies, maritime unions and other stakeholders, and continuous advisories have been issued to approximately 7.4 lakh registered Indian seafarers. (d) Yes, this Ministry and DGS are actively coordinating with naval and international authorities to ensure safety and security of Indian ships and crew in the affected maritime routes. Information-sharing mechanisms have been strengthened, and close liaison is being maintained with maritime security agencies, including the Indian Navy and international coordination centres, such as, IFC-IOR, to facilitate safe passage and to respond promptly to any emerging threats.ANNEXURE The details of incidents/casualties among Indian seafarers serving on foreign-flagged vessels are as follows. Sr. Name of Vessel Date of No. of No. of missing No. of injured No. incident casualties seafarers seafarers 01 LCT Ayeh 28.02.2026 - - 01 (Flag: UAE) 02 MT SKYLIGHT 01.03.2026 01 01 01 (Flag:Palau) 03 MT MKD Vyom 01.03.2026 01 - - (Flag: Marshall Islands) 04 Tug Mussafah 2 06.03.2026 - - 02 (Flag: UAE) 05 MT Safesea 12.03.2026 01 - - Vishnu (Flag: Marshall Islands) Total 03 01 04 *****