India Launches 24/7 Vessel Monitoring As 148 Seafarers Remain Stranded In Persian Gulf
Our take
The recent launch of 24/7 vessel monitoring by the Indian Navy, spurred by missile attacks on Emirati oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, underscores a rapidly escalating regional security challenge and its direct impact on maritime operations. This action follows a series of concerning events, including the tragic loss of an Indian seafarer in the aforementioned attacks Indian Seafarer Killed After Iranian Missiles Strike Two UAE Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz, and highlights the precariousness of vital trade routes. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, compounded by the U.S.'s reimposition of a naval blockade of Iranian ports U.S. Reimposes Naval Blockade Of Iranian Ports & Reveals New Hormuz Plan, create a complex environment where the safety and security of seafarers and maritime commerce are increasingly at risk. The situation demands a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between regional politics, maritime security, and the economic consequences of disrupted trade flows.
The Indian Navy’s proactive response, while necessary, represents a further escalation in the militarization of the Persian Gulf. The decision to establish continuous monitoring points to a recognition that existing protocols are insufficient to safeguard vessels transiting the Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transport. This development has broader implications for international maritime law and the potential for miscalculation. What was once a region primarily characterized by diplomatic maneuvering and proxy conflicts is now witnessing a return to heightened naval presence and increased risk of direct confrontation. The need for coordinated international efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure the free flow of commerce through this vital waterway has never been more urgent. Furthermore, the incident reinforces the importance of sustainable maritime practices and reducing reliance on vulnerable chokepoints, a subject explored in Reducing marine emissions through ship−shore environmental leadership: a multilevel model for policy and management in shipping, which indirectly contributes to the resilience of the maritime industry.
The immediate concern, however, remains the plight of the 148 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf. Ensuring their safe passage and repatriation is a humanitarian imperative and a test of regional cooperation. The lack of timely information and support for these individuals underscores the vulnerabilities faced by maritime workers in conflict zones. While the Indian Navy’s monitoring efforts aim to prevent future incidents, a more holistic approach is needed that addresses the root causes of instability in the region and provides robust support systems for seafarers. This includes improved communication protocols, enhanced maritime domain awareness, and stronger partnerships between national navies and international maritime organizations. The reliance on real-time data and integrated data ecosystems for effective maritime security is paramount, enabling rapid response and informed decision-making in volatile environments.
Looking ahead, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz presents a critical test for global maritime governance. The escalating tensions, coupled with the ongoing need for reliable energy supplies, create a precarious balance. How will nations balance the need for security with the preservation of freedom of navigation? Will the current response lead to a more permanent militarization of the region, or can diplomatic solutions be found to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of seafarers and the stability of global trade? The evolution of maritime security strategies and the effectiveness of international cooperation will be key determinants in shaping the future of this vital waterway and the global economy it supports.
India has stepped up monitoring of merchant vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman after attacks on two oil tankers killed one Indian seafarer and injured several others.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has directed the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to create a real-time dashboard to track every Indian seafarer working on vessels in the region, regardless of the ship’s flag.
According to the latest status report, seven Indian-flagged vessels are currently in the Persian Gulf with 148 Indian seafarers onboard. The vessels include three container ships, one crude oil tanker, one oil/chemical tanker, one bulk carrier and one dredger.
The move follows missile attacks on the Emirati oil tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE said the vessels were hit in the southern shipping lane within Omani territorial waters.
One Indian seafarer was killed and several others were injured in the attacks. The two vessels had a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian nationals.
On MT Al Bahiyah, one Indian seafarer was killed and another was injured. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian nationals were injured, including two who remain seriously injured, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The attacks followed an earlier incident involving the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy, which was struck by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). One Indian seafarer remains missing from that incident, while ten others were rescued.
Real-time seafarer tracking system
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high-level review meeting and directed officials to ensure that every Indian seafarer in the affected region is accounted for.
The vessel monitoring dashboard being developed by the DGS will provide real-time details on:
- Vessel location
- Ownership
- Cargo details
- Crew strength
- Crew welfare
- Threat assessment
- Planned voyage
- Next port of call
- Available support facilities
The minister also ordered the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for affected Indian seafarers. These officers will coordinate with families on medical updates, travel documents, repatriation, financial support, pending wages, contractual matters and other assistance.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, Indian missions in Iran and Oman, and other maritime agencies.
Officials reviewed the security situation across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman and discussed emergency response measures for Indian seafarers.
India Condemns Attacks on Ships
India has strongly condemned the attacks on MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa and raised the issue with Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs summoned Iran’s Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and expressed concern over attacks on merchant vessels and disruption to safe navigation through international waterways.
“We strongly condemn these attacks and acts of violence targeting seafarers and disrupting free and safe navigation through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said.
India also called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
11 vessels identified for possible evacuation support
A government status report tracking Indian-flagged vessels and foreign ships carrying India-related cargo identified 11 vessels of Indian interest for evacuation planning.
These include Indian-flagged ships and foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo bound for India. Four of the vessels are carrying fertilisers.
Since March 1, when the conflict began, 57 vessels carrying India-bound cargo have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the report said.
Of these, 21 were India-flagged vessels and 36 were foreign-flagged ships.
The foreign-flagged vessels were registered in the Marshall Islands (nine), Liberia (eight), Panama (five), Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Malta and Singapore (two each), and the Cayman Islands, Greece, Gibraltar, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong (one each).
The vessels comprised 25 bulk carriers, 14 LPG carriers, 13 crude oil tankers, two LNG carriers, one container vessel, one oil and chemical tanker, and one diving support vessel.
The report said 19 vessels crossed the Strait between March 1 and June 17, when Iran and the US signed an interim peace deal. Another 38 vessels crossed during the following 26 days.
One of the recent vessels to transit the route was the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Courage, carrying 47,250 tonnes of urea to India.
Shipping routes through Hormuz under pressure
Vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz have been using two main routes, a southern corridor along the Omani coastline and a northern route through Iranian waters.
The US military and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have supported the southern route, while Iran has said vessels using the northern route require approval from an Iranian authority. Washington has rejected that position.
According to the status report, crossings through the southern route stopped after recent attacks, with the last recorded transit on July 8.
Some vessels were later observed using the northern route.
The report also noted that ships began switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) tracking signals from mid-April to avoid revealing their locations.
The move became more common after the UAE started moving oil from the Persian Gulf using tankers operating without visible tracking signals.
24/7 assistance activated for seafarers
The Directorate General of Shipping’s Communication Centre Control Room is operating around the clock to monitor developments and assist Indian seafarers and their families.
The government has also activated a 24×7 grievance support system.
Contact details:
Domestic toll-free: 1800-889-7768
International toll-free: +1-888-988-0256
WhatsApp: +91 8655856830
Email: enavik.24×7@gov.in
Sonowal directed that all vessel movements through the affected region should take place only after a fresh threat assessment, the judgement of the ship’s master and coordination with maritime authorities.
Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have also been asked to submit compliance reports confirming that Indian seafarers are not being required to sail without proper information, protection and support.
References: Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol
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