Lok Sabha Question No. 5557 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: Welfare of  Seafarers
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Shri K E Prakash

## 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:

## पȅन , पोत पįरवहन और जलमागŊ मंũी

- (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. No.   | Name of Vessel                             | Date of incident   | No. of casualties   | No. of missing seafarers   | No. of injured seafarers   |
|-----------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| 01        | LCT Ayeh (Flag: UAE)                       | 28.02.2026         | -                   | -                          | 01                         |
| 02        | MT SKYLIGHT (Flag:Palau)                   | 01.03.2026         | 01                  | 01                         | 01                         |
| 03        | MT MKD Vyom (Flag: Marshall Islands)       | 01.03.2026         | 01                  | -                          | -                          |
| 04        | Tug Mussafah 2 (Flag: UAE)                 | 06.03.2026         | -                   | -                          | 02                         |
| 05        | MT Safesea Vishnu (Flag: Marshall Islands) | 12.03.2026         | 01                  | -                          | -                          |
| Total     |                                            |                    | 03                  | 01                         | 04                         |

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