A series of maritime incidents in the Gulf region has resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers on foreign-flagged vessels, with one person still missing. The Ministry of Shipping confirmed that out of 78 Indians on board these affected ships, 70 escaped unhurt while four sustained injuries and are currently stable. The attacks follow rising regional tensions in the Persian Gulf since late February 2026. The government has assured that all 28 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the region remain completely safe and are under continuous tracking.
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What exactly happened to the Indian seafarers in the Gulf?
Recent briefings from the Ministry of Shipping indicate that multiple foreign-flagged commercial vessels faced targeted attacks. A specific incident took place on March 11, 2026, when an explosive-laden remote-controlled speedboat hit the MT Safesea Vishnu near Basra, Iraq. This vessel is US-owned and flies the Marshall Islands flag. One Indian crew member lost his life in this direct attack.
- Total Indians Involved: 78 seafarers on foreign ships
- Casualties: 3 dead and 1 missing
- Injured: 4 people (condition stable)
- Unhurt: 70 seafarers escaped safely
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, confirmed the casualty figures. He added that domestic port operations remain stable, and major ports have received directives to help exporters avoid major trade disruptions during this period.
What measures is the government taking for maritime safety?
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the safety of the 10 million Indian diaspora in West Asia is the top priority for the government right now. Following the attacks, the Directorate General of Shipping issued DGS Circular 10 of 2026 to ensure the safety of all Indian crew members.
Commercial vessels traveling through high-risk zones are now required to maintain enhanced security measures, bridge watches, and strict reporting of crew details. To assist those in danger, a Quick Response Team headed by Capt. PC Meena has been formed for immediate medical and evacuation support. The Ministry has also established 24-hour control rooms to coordinate emergency responses and help the affected families.
The government is actively monitoring 28 Indian-flagged ships carrying a total of 778 Indian seafarers across the Persian Gulf region. Officials have verified that all Indian-flagged ships are currently safe, and no boardings or casualties have been reported on these vessels so far.
