New Delhi, June 12: The Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that the welfare and safety of Indian maritime professionals remain a top priority following recent security developments involving commercial vessels off the coast of Oman. The diplomatic channel was utilized to address concerns directly with the US mission in New Delhi regarding the safety of seafaring personnel in the region.
Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs met with the US Chargé d’Affaires, Jason Meeks, to convey the government’s serious perspective on the maritime situation. This interaction follows confirmation regarding the unfortunate loss of lives of three Indian seafarers who were working aboard a foreign-flagged vessel, the MT Settebello.
Official briefings clarified that the merchant vessels involved in these recent regional developments were foreign-flagged and not owned by Indian entities. Two of the tankers carried the flag of Palau, while a third operated under the Guinea-Bissau flag. Regulatory records from the inter-ministerial briefing noted that certain vessels had been subject to compliance measures administered by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, while another had been designated as non-compliant.
The Ministry of External Affairs maintained that dialogue and diplomacy represent the ideal path forward for the peaceful resolution of regional differences, ensuring unimpeded maritime access in accordance with international frameworks.
The administration has quickly mobilized comprehensive relief measures for the affected personnel. Updates from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways affirmed that the remaining 25 crew members from the MT Settebello have been successfully relocated to secure facilities. Concurrently, organized evacuation operations have commenced for the seafaring personnel aboard the third vessel, the Jalveer. To assist the families of the deceased sailors during this difficult period, the Seamen Welfare Fund Society has been authorized to distribute an ex gratia financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of each individual.
The vast presence of Indian maritime experts continues to be closely monitored by the authorities. Central statistics indicate that over 18,000 Indian seafarers are active across the Gulf operational zone, including 562 crew members aboard 13 Indian-flagged vessels navigating the crucial waters west of the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
