The BRICS TimesIndia’s Shipping Ministry confirms all 22 Indian sailors aboard two Panama-flagged vessels fired upon by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz are unharmed, as the Gulf crisis deepens.
India Confirms Safety of 22 Sailors After Iran Fires on Ships
In a significant relief for worried families back home, the Indian government confirmed that all 22 Indian seafarers aboard two foreign-flagged ships are safe. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy targeted both vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways issued an official update on Thursday confirming their well-being.
The Ministry’s update stated that Vessel Euphoria, a Panama-flagged container ship, had 21 Indian seafarers onboard. A second Panama-flagged container vessel, Vessel Epaminondas, had one Indian seafarer aboard. The Ministry further clarified that every other Indian sailor currently present across the Persian Gulf region is also safe.
What Happened at the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s IRGC Navy opened fire on at least two foreign container ships attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz within a 24-hour window. The Strait is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world. Almost a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through its narrow waters. The firing incidents sparked immediate alarm across India, given the large number of Indian nationals working aboard merchant vessels in that region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the media at the weekly press briefing. “A vessel, Euphoria, was having 21 Indian seafarers on board, and all of them are safe. Similarly, there was another vessel, Epaminondas. That vessel has one Indian seafarer. He is also safe,” he stated. He added, “Therefore, all the Indian seafarers in the region are safe.”
Indian Tanker Desh Garima Reaches Mumbai Safely
Separately, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker also made it home. The Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18. It arrived at the port of Mumbai on Wednesday. This came as a reassurance amid the escalating tensions across the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also confirmed a broader maritime picture. Ten Indian ships have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz over the last few weeks. Fourteen Indian vessels are still stationed within the Persian Gulf. Authorities are closely watching the movement of all these ships.
2,680 Indian Seafarers Repatriated So Far
The Indian government has been working round the clock to bring sailors home. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has already facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,680 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region. Among these, 65 sailors returned home in the last 24 hours alone from various Gulf locations.
The Ministry confirmed that Indian port operations remain completely normal. No congestion at any Indian port has been reported. The government also stated that it continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian diplomatic missions abroad, and maritime industry stakeholders.
Government Assures High Priority to Seafarer Welfare
The government has placed the welfare of Indian sailors at the top of its priorities. Indian Missions in Gulf countries are extending full support. This includes coordinating with local authorities, providing consular assistance, and helping sailors who wish to return to India.
The Ministry of External Affairs runs dedicated special control rooms. These are fully operational and work in tandem with Indian diplomatic missions across the region. The government says it is keeping a close watch on all developments in the Gulf and West Asia. The goal is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of every Indian national in that region.
