4,052 Stranded Indian Seafarers Safely Repatriated During West Asia Crisis: Union Shipping Minister

The Government of India has safely repatriated 4,052 stranded Indian seafarers caught in the geopolitical turmoil across West Asia, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Wednesday, highlighting the Centre's extensive efforts to safeguard Indian maritime workers operating in conflict-prone waters.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sonowal assessed the evolving security situation in the region and reviewed measures being taken to protect Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels navigating through high-risk maritime routes.

The minister said the DGCOMM Centre (MMDAC) has been functioning round the clock, monitoring distress alerts and coordinating emergency responses. Since the crisis intensified, the emergency response system has handled 16,448 phone calls and 40,594 emails, reflecting the scale of assistance sought by Indian seafarers and their families.

According to Sonowal, the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) has also been extending comprehensive support through repatriation assistance, medical aid, counselling services and continuous communication with affected families to ensure their well-being during the ongoing crisis.

The government has additionally announced an immediate financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to the next of kin of deceased seafarers under the SWFS Special High-Risk Area Scheme, providing relief to families affected by maritime tragedies.

The minister reaffirmed that Indian seafarers are among the world's essential maritime workforce and said the government remains fully committed to their safety and welfare.

His remarks come just a day after an Indian-flagged merchant vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, was struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink. Sonowal condemned the attack as "unprovoked" and confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued safely by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.

With security concerns continuing to rise across key international shipping routes, India has intensified its maritime monitoring and emergency response mechanisms to ensure that Indian seafarers operating in conflict-affected regions receive timely assistance and safe passage home whenever required.