4,052 Seafarers Brought Back From Gulf Amid Middle East Crisis: Minister
The Indian government has repatriated over 4,000 seafarers from the Gulf region due to escalating maritime security risks. Authorities have implemented strict safety protocols and advisories for vessels operating in conflict-prone waters like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Why it matters
This highlights the logistical and security challenges faced by the maritime industry during geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, informed Parliament on Friday that as many as 4,052 seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf region and 62 India-bound vessels have successfully transited Strait of Hormuz (as on August 3), out of which 23 were Indian flagged and 39 under foreign flags.The minister highlighted that considering the evolving maritime security situation, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA progressively updates its advisories to enhance the safety and security of the Indian seafarers amid the Middle East conflict.In view of renewed attacks on merchant vessels, the Directorate General of Shipping has mandated the implementation of full International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code security measures and advised against the deployment of Indian seafarers on voyages transiting through the Gulf region, the minister said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.A DGMA advisory has also been issued for…
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