The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) confirmed on March 3, 2026, that three Indian seafarers lost their lives while serving on foreign-flagged vessels in the West Asia region. The fatalities occurred following attacks on oil tankers amid rising military tensions in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. One additional Indian seafarer sustained injuries, while authorities have activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of other nationals working in the conflict zone.
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What happened to the vessels MKD Vyom and Skylight?
The Indian seafarers were on board two different oil tankers that came under attack between March 1 and March 2, 2026. One Indian national died in the engine room of the MKD Vyom, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel, after a suspected drone boat strike off the coast of Muscat. The other two fatalities and four injuries occurred on the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight near the Musandam peninsula. Official reports indicate that while Indian-flagged vessels remain safe so far, the risks to Indian nationals on foreign ships have increased significantly.
What are the new rules issued by the Indian government?
The Directorate General of Shipping has taken immediate steps to protect Indian workers and maritime assets in the region. A Quick Response Team (QRT) led by Capt. PC Meena has been formed to coordinate support and potential evacuations. The following measures are currently in place:
- Ban on recruiting and placing Indian seafarers in Iran until further notice
- Advisory for all Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary shore movement in Iranian waters
- Strict instructions for vessels to exercise utmost caution in the Strait of Hormuz
- Close monitoring of drone strikes, missile activity, and electronic interference
Impact on shipping and energy security
The Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) highlighted the massive economic risk involving 27 Indian-flagged vessels currently in the conflict zone, valued at over ₹10,000 crore. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is particularly concerning because nearly 85% of India’s cooking gas (LPG) imports pass through this route. Freight and insurance costs have surged as many firms have withdrawn war-risk coverage, leading to potential delays in global energy supply chains.
