Highlights
- After the Hormuz attacks, the government has given instructions to monitor every Indian sailor.
- There will be a dedicated liaison officer and 24-hour coordination arrangements for every affected sailor.
- All possible help to the family of the deceased sailor, full focus of the government on the treatment of the injured.
New Delhi: In view of the growing maritime security crisis in West Asia after the attacks on 2 merchant ships in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’, the Central Government has taken major steps for the safety of Indian sailors. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has given instructions to increase maritime surveillance and implement the policy of giving priority to seafarers. He said every Indian seafarer present in the affected area will be traced, irrespective of which country’s flag he is serving on. Sonowal gave several important instructions in a high-level review meeting held on Monday.
There will be real time monitoring of every ship
During the meeting, Sonewal directed for ‘real time monitoring’ of every ship, appointment of a dedicated liaison officer for each affected Indian seafarer and maintaining round-the-clock coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Indian Embassies in Iran and Oman. The meeting was called after the attacks on two merchant ships named MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in Hormuz. The total 46-member crew of both the ships included 30 Indian sailors.
Indian sailor died in the attack
Let us tell you that in the attack on MT Al Bahiyah, one Indian sailor died, while another was injured. Nine Indian sailors were injured on MT Mombasa, out of which the condition of two is said to be critical. Expressing his deep condolences to the family of the deceased sailor, Sonowal said that the nation will always remember the supreme sacrifice of the Indian sailor who lost his life in the line of duty. He said that the government will provide all possible help to the bereaved family and wishes speedy recovery of all the injured sailors. He assured the Indian sailors and their families that the government stands with them in every situation.
Important instructions given to officers in the meeting
In the meeting held with Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur and senior officials, the security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman was reviewed and the threats faced by Indian sailors and the emergency response system were assessed. Sonowal directed DG Shipping to prepare an operational dashboard to maintain complete records of Indians onboard every ship operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. This dashboard will capture real-time information on the ship’s status, ownership, cargo, number of crew, their safety, risk level, voyage route, next port and available facilities.
Dedicated contact officer will be appointed
The Minister also directed that a dedicated liaison officer be appointed for each Indian seafarer affected by the crisis. This officer will provide all the information to the families like medical updates, travel related documents, repatriation, seafarers welfare fund, outstanding salaries, contractual rights and compensation. Sonowal also directed officials to collaborate with Indian missions in Iran, Oman and UAE to collect certified information related to hospitals, safe ports, emergency medical facilities, repatriation of dead bodies and investigation. He said that movement of any ship from the affected area should be allowed only after assessment of the new threat, professional opinion of the ship’s captain and consultation with competent maritime authorities.
‘Safety of Indian sailors is priority’
Sonowal also directed shipowners, vessel managers and recruitment agencies to submit compliance reports and ensure that no Indian seafarer is forced to sail without adequate protection, information and assistance. The government has also launched a 24×7 support system to assist seafarers and their families. Under this, complaints and assistance requests can be lodged through toll-free helpline, WhatsApp and email. Sonowal reiterated that the government’s top priority is the safety of Indian seafarers. He said that the safety of Indians will be ensured with the coordination of all ministries and maritime agencies.
Also read: ‘Attacks on ships in Hormuz should be stopped immediately’, India lodges strong protest against Iran
