The Centre has unveiled a comprehensive maritime safety mechanism to monitor every Indian seafarer operating in the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters after recent attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian sailor dead and 10 others injured.

The decision was taken during a high-level inter-ministerial review chaired by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who directed authorities to adopt a "seafarer-first" approach through real-time vessel monitoring, dedicated liaison officers and round-the-clock coordination among government agencies.

The move comes amid growing security concerns in the Persian Gulf following attacks on commercial shipping along one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

High-Level Review After Vessel Attacks

The emergency review followed attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ships were carrying 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals. According to government officials, one Indian seafarer was killed aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman participated in the review meeting.

Real-Time Vessel Monitoring Ordered

As part of the government's response, the Directorate General of Shipping has been instructed to develop a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering every Indian seafarer working in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the vessel's nationality.

The digital platform will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare status, voyage plans, threat assessment, destination ports and emergency support facilities.

Officials said the objective is to ensure that every Indian seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region is individually accounted for.

Dedicated Support for Families

The government has also directed that a dedicated liaison officer be assigned to every Indian seafarer affected by the crisis.

The officer will coordinate directly with families and assist with medical updates, documentation, repatriation, welfare fund claims, salary-related issues, contractual benefits and compensation wherever applicable.

The ministry said the single-point contact system is intended to reduce delays and ensure quicker assistance to affected families.

Coordination With Indian Missions

The Shipping Ministry has instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian embassies and consulates in Iran, Oman, the UAE and other regional countries to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, port access, medical evacuation, hospital facilities, repatriation arrangements and ongoing investigations.

The government also confirmed that India has raised concerns over the attacks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the relevant flag administrations, while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilian shipping and ensuring compliance with international maritime law.

Fresh Risk Assessment Before Every Voyage

To strengthen maritime safety, the Centre has directed that every voyage through the conflict zone should proceed only after a fresh threat assessment, consultation with maritime authorities and the professional judgement of the vessel's master.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have also been asked to certify that no Indian seafarer is compelled to sail without adequate information, safety measures and operational support.

24x7 Helpline Activated

The government has activated a 24x7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families to provide emergency assistance and information.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal said the government's response would remain focused on safeguarding Indian seafarers while ensuring uninterrupted global maritime trade through one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.