'Restrict Deployment of Indian Seafarers in War‑Affected Zones': DG Shipping to Recruitment Agencies in Wake of Recent Attacks

In the wake of recent attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz or off the Oman coast with Indian seafarers on board, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. The decision is in view of the security of Indian sailors after three seafarers onboard MT Settebello were killed after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast.In a circular, DG Shipping said, “This Directorate further reiterates that all Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send

Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency situations with the consent of crew members.”

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The Director General of Shipping urged masters of vessels operating in the Gulf region including the Strait of Hormuz and other affected regions nearby to practice heightened security awareness and closely monitor navigational warnings received and advisories issued from security agencies. The DGS has also asked them to implement all applicable ship security measures and Company security procedures.The circular by the DGS talks about recent security incidents involving Indian sailors in the Gulf region and Strait of Hormuz - under US and Iran blockade.

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Indian Seafarers onboard Vessels Attacked off Oman Coast Over The Week

Over the past week, three separate incidents had surfaced when vessels transiting off the Oman coast through the Hormuz route were attacked. These incidents resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. MT Marivex, MT Settebello, and MV Salver were the three vessels which had come under attack, however, none of these ships were Indian-flagged.The Directorate General of Shipping further added that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad, and other concerned stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.The DGS circular has put keen emphasis on advising maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in the war-affected zone.

India Summons US Mission Official After Indian Sailors Killed

Earlier this week, New Delhi summoned the United States' charge d’affairs and lodged a strong protest against the death of Indian seafarers after the US military reportedly targeted commercial vessels off the Oman coast, leaving three sailors killed out of 24 total onboard.

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In its statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and said, "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far, and three Indians are reportedly missing," it had said. The incident came amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel.

Trump Announces Iran Deal, Hormuz To Open After Signing on Friday

In a big breakthrough, Donald Trump on his birthday (June 14, Sunday) finally announced the much awaited Iran deal. The development comes on expected lines as he had already claimed a day before that the deal will be signed on Sunday. Though there were few hurdles before he could announce the deal -- such as Israeli strikes in Beirut following Hezbollah attacks and Iran not directly confirming whether it was going to agree on the proposed deal. However, after a full day of suspense and growing buzz, the US President made the big announcement - also coinciding with his birthday.Though, an official signing of the deal is to take place on Friday in Geneva and full details yet to surface, according to Trump, the deal would allow the opening of the Strait of Hormuz - the key maritime passage that is crucial for world's energy flow. With inputs from PTI