West Asia Conflict: 3 Indian Seafarers Killed, 37 Ships With Over 1000 Onboard Stranded As Strait of Hormuz Closes
Three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed, and one was injured in West Asia due to the current conflict.
Published : March 4, 2026 at 12:43 PM IST
|Updated : March 5, 2026 at 9:23 AM IST
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asian region in the wake of the military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, at least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels have lost their lives while another has sustained injuries. Latest reports suggest that as many as 37 Indian-flagged ships with nearly 1109 seafarers are stuck in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the adjoining sea areas following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
Some of these ships are carrying crude oil and LNG to India, while others are on their way to bring petroleum products from Gulf countries. An official aware of the development told PTI that all 37 vessels are unable to move because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Directorate General of Shipping said it is in constant touch with shipping companies and is closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the Shipping Ministry has set up a dedicated quick response team to coordinate with concerned authorities, respond quickly to any emergency and provide support to Indian seafarers and their families.
Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been asked to be careful while deploying crew members and stay in regular touch with sailors and their families. This apart, helpline numbers have also been activated and shared with families through RPSLs.
The Directorate General of Shipping also issued an advisory for maritime operators to assess voyage-specific risks following the disruptions of the shipping route and closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, officials said.
Authorities are closely tracking the evolving security situation in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters. They are also monitoring threats of missile and drone attacks, electronic interference and other maritime security threats arising from recent geopolitical developments.
On Tuesday, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a review meeting to assess the prevailing security environment in the Persian Gulf region and examine its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.
Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad, officials added.
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