New Delhi: India has intensified monitoring of maritime activity in the Persian Gulf region while continuing efforts to ensure the safety of Indian vessels, seafarers, and cargo movement amid the prevailing security situation in regional waters.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways on Thursday said multiple LPG carriers carrying cargo for India had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz in recent days without disruption. The ministry also confirmed that Indian port operations continue to function normally with no congestion reported.
According to an official statement, SYMI, a Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier transporting 19,965 metric tonnes of LPG cargo for India, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 13. The vessel, carrying 21 foreign crew members, is expected to arrive at Kandla on May 16.
Another LPG carrier, NV SUNSHINE, flagged under Vietnam and carrying 46,427 metric tonnes of LPG cargo for India, crossed the strategic waterway safely on May 14. The ship has 24 foreign crew members onboard and is expected to reach New Mangalore on May 18.
The ministry also provided details about an incident involving the Indian mechanised sailing vessel HAJI ALI, which reportedly caught fire and later sank in Omani waters during its voyage from Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE in the early hours of May 13.
All 14 crew members on board the vessel were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and later reached Dibba Port in Oman. Officials said the crew members are safe and required formalities with local authorities have already been completed.
The government of India is continuing coordination with authorities in Oman, Indian Mission officials, and maritime agencies to monitor the situation and support affected personnel.
The ministry stated that, apart from the HAJI ALI incident, no other incidents involving Indian vessels or foreign ships carrying Indian seafarers had been reported in the past 72 hours. It added that all Indian seafarers currently operating in the region are reported to be safe.
Officials also highlighted the scale of assistance being provided through the Directorate General of Shipping’s emergency response mechanism. Since activation of the control room, authorities have handled more than 9,266 calls and over 20,592 emails. In the last 72 hours alone, 377 calls and 834 emails were received.
The ministry further said that more than 3,158 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far from different Gulf locations, including 62 brought back during the past 72 hours.
Authorities said the ministry remains in constant coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, and maritime stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted shipping operations and the welfare of Indian seafarers.
