No incidents reported: India says all seafarers in Gulf are safe

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has stated that all Indian seafarers currently in the Persian Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours.

According to the official update, 17 Indian-flagged vessels remain in the western Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 460 Indian seafarers. Authorities have emphasised that the situation is being monitored closely to ensure their safety and the continuity of maritime operations.

Continuous monitoring and coordination

The Directorate General of Shipping is actively coordinating with ship owners, recruitment agencies and Indian missions abroad to track developments. A dedicated control room remains operational round the clock to handle queries and provide assistance.

Since its activation, the control room has received over 5,000 calls and more than 10,000 emails, including dozens of communications in the last 24 hours alone, indicating ongoing engagement with seafarers and their families.

Repatriation efforts underway

Authorities have facilitated the safe return of over 1,479 Indian seafarers so far, including 159 individuals in the past 24 hours. These repatriations have been carried out from various locations across the Gulf region through coordinated efforts between government agencies and Indian missions.

In a related development, 345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran were successfully brought back to India. The Ministry of External Affairs, along with the Indian Embassy in Tehran, facilitated their transit via Armenia before they boarded flights to Chennai.

Port operations remain stable

The government has also confirmed that port operations across India are functioning normally, with no congestion reported. Maritime boards in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have reported smooth functioning, ensuring that trade and logistics remain unaffected.

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and wider West Asia region, prioritising the safety and welfare of Indian nationals.

Indian missions abroad are operating 24x7 helplines, issuing advisories and providing support services, including visa assistance, consular help and logistical coordination. Authorities are also in regular contact with Indian crew members on vessels, assisting with communication and return requests where necessary.

Beyond seafarers, Indian missions are also supporting students and workers in the region. Coordination is ongoing with local authorities, educational institutions and agencies to address concerns related to academics, travel and safety.

The government has reiterated that it will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Indian citizens abroad while ensuring uninterrupted maritime operations.
(With IANS inputs)