India orders real-time tracking of seafarers in Strait of Hormuz amid vessel attacks

India is implementing real-time tracking for all vessels operating in the sensitive Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman to enhance the safety of its seafarers. The directive mandates a new dashboard to monitor Indian nationals on every ship, regardless of its flag, in the region.

The move comes after recent attacks on merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa in the Strait of Hormuz. These assaults resulted in the death of one Indian seafarer and left nine others injured, with two in critical condition. Thirty of the 46 crew members on board the attacked vessels were Indian nationals.

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India has expressed its strong resentment and objection to the manner of attacks on defenceless civilian merchant vessels.

The dashboard will compile crucial data, including vessel ownership, cargo, crew numbers, threat assessments, planned voyages, and destinations. Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Ports, Shipping and Waterways minister, chaired a high-level meeting where he directed the appointment of dedicated liaison officers for each affected Indian seafarer. These officers will act as a single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel, assistance, and compensation.

Sonowal stated that India has strongly protested the attacks on civilian merchant vessels, emphasizing that Indian seafarers are vital to global supply chains. Shipowners and managers are now required to ensure seafarers have adequate information, protection, and support before sailing. All vessel movements in the affected area must undergo a fresh threat assessment.

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Each liaison officer will serve as the single point of contact for families, coordinating medical updates, travel documentation, family assistance, repatriation, Seafarers Welfare Fund support, outstanding wages, contractual entitlements and other compensations.