The central government has launched a ‘seafarer-first’ response following attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and casualties among Indian sailors. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed for real-time monitoring and round-the-clock coordination for the safety of seafarers.
New Delhi [भारत]July 15 (ANI): Amid the growing maritime security crisis following the attacks on two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz in West Asia, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday launched a comprehensive “seafarer-first” response. He has directed all departments of the government to work together for the safety of every Indian seafarer working in the conflict-affected area.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), chairing a high-level inter-ministerial review meeting, Sonowal ordered real-time monitoring of every ship, appointment of dedicated liaison officers for each affected Indian seafarer and round-the-clock coordination by the ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian missions in Iran and Oman.
Indian sailors injured in attack
This review assumes significance following the attacks on MT Al Bahia and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. Of the total 46 crew members on both ships, 30 were Indian sailors. The ministry said one Indian sailor lost his life on MT Al Bahia while another was injured. At the same time, nine Indian citizens were injured on MT Mombasa, out of which the condition of two is critical.
Sonowal chaired the meeting in which Union Minister of State for MoPSW Shantanu Thakur along with senior officials from MoPSW, MEA, Indian Navy, DG Shipping, Indian Embassies in Iran and Oman and other key maritime agencies reviewed the changing security environment in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, assessed the risks faced by Indian seafarers and evaluated India’s contingency and emergency response mechanisms.
Government expressed strong objection to the attacks
Expressing deep sorrow over this tragedy, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India has expressed its strong displeasure and objection to the manner in which the attacks took place on unarmed civilian merchant ships. These attacks have resulted in death and serious injuries to Indian seafarers who, as key workers ensuring the smooth functioning of global supply chains, have been affected by these irresponsible, unjustified and unwarranted attacks. I pay tribute to the loss of another of our brave and innocent seafarers in today’s two attacks. Deeply saddened and distressed by the unfortunate death as well as injuries suffered by others. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Indian sailor who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. I would like to assure every Indian sailor and their family that we are committed to supporting you in every possible way.”
Dashboard for real-time monitoring
As part of the government’s enhanced response, Sonowal directed the Director General of Shipping (DGS) to set up a comprehensive ship-wise operational dashboard to account for every Indian operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, irrespective of flag. This dashboard will provide real-time information on ship status, ownership, cargo, number of crew, crew welfare, threat assessment, intended voyage, next port and availability of facilities. The Minister clearly directed that every Indian seafarer in the affected area should be individually accounted for, irrespective of the flag of the ship.
Describing the welfare of seafarers as paramount, Sonowal said there cannot be any compromise on the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
Liaison Officer for each affected seafarer
To ensure uninterrupted assistance to the affected families, Sonowal directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for each Indian seafarer affected by the crisis. Each Liaison Officer will serve as a single point of contact for the families, coordinating medical updates, travel documents, family support, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund assistance, outstanding wages, contractual rights and other compensation.
International coordination and strict instructions
Union Minister Sonowal directed officials to work closely with the Indian missions in Iran, Oman and UAE and other affected nations in the region, as well as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), to obtain verified and real-time information related to navigational security, coastal-state advisories, transit status, port of refuge arrangements, hospitals, medical evacuation, repatriation process, mortal remains management and status of ongoing investigations.
Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Government of India has also communicated with all multilateral fora of the IMO and representatives of the respective flag administrations involved in a number of incidents that have violated international conventions and fundamental requirements of the safety and security of seafarers and the protection of the right of innocent passage of merchant vessels. We will continue to make every possible effort to ensure resolution of the issues and remain committed to all stakeholders in these difficult and challenging times.”
The Union Minister directed that movement of every ship passing through the affected area should be done only after a fresh threat assessment, professional judgment of the master of the ship and close coordination with the competent maritime authorities. Sonowal also directed the ministry that shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) agencies employing Indian seafarers in the region must immediately submit compliance reports and confirmation that no Indian seafarer is being forced to travel without adequate information, protection and support.
A 24×7 complaint support system has been activated where concerns can be resolved. The domestic toll-free number is 1800-889-7768, while the international toll-free number is +1-888-988-0256. One can send a message on WhatsApp to +91 8655856830 or enavik.24×7[at]gov[dot]You can email at in.
Concluding the meeting, Sonowal reaffirmed that the government’s response will remain strongly seafarers-first, with coordinated efforts across ministries and maritime agencies to protect Indian lives, uphold international maritime law and ensure uninterrupted movement of global trade through one of the world’s most strategically important sea routes. (ANI)
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