Three Indian seafarers on foreign vessel die, one injured as tensions rise in Middle East

At least three Indian seafarers working on foreign-flagged ships were killed and a fourth injured in the Middle East, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said on Tuesday. He warned shipping operators about the risks of reviewing specific voyages amid escalating military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran.“There have been four incidents involving Indian seafarers in the region, resulting in three casualties and injuries to one seafarer, all of whom were working on foreign-flagged vessels,” the DGS said in a statement, news agency PTI reported.

The casualties come against the backdrop of heightened hostilities in the region, with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continuing to hit Iranian targets since the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Tehran and its allies have carried out attacks on Israel, neighboring Gulf states and infrastructure critical to global oil and gas production.U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States is “capable” of going further than the four-to-five-week timetable for military action against Iran previously outlined.The inspector general said it was “closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjacent waters”. It highlighted the threats posed by missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other maritime security issues.According to PTI, shipping stakeholders have been advised to remain on high alert and conduct thorough voyage-specific risk assessments. Vessels operating in the area are urged to adopt an enhanced security posture, ensure robust bridge surveillance, maintain ongoing communications readiness and report any suspicious activity immediately. Operators are also advised to review shipments through high-risk areas in light of current conditions.The Chief Inspector added that the remaining crew members on the affected vessel were “safe and secure” and authorities were coordinating closely to ensure their welfare and support. Enhanced surveillance, real-time tracking of Indian-flagged vessels, mandatory reporting protocols and 24×7 surveillance have been initiated in coordination with the Indian Navy, Ministry of External Affairs, MRCC and Indian Missions.The bureau said a dedicated rapid response team has also been established to provide timely assistance to seafarers and their families.