‘Extremely hazardous’: Seafarers’ union urges PM Modi to deploy Navy after Indian vessel sinks
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to protect Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers in the Red Sea, Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz. The union warned that escalating regional conflicts have turned commercial shipping routes into “active danger zones”.In an urgent appeal to Modi on Wednesday, the union cited the ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States, along with the Russia-Ukraine war, and called for immediate protective measures for Indian maritime workers.“Ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States, together with the continuing Russia-Ukraine war, have turned commercial shipping routes into active danger zones. Missiles and drones continue to target merchant vessels, resulting in the loss of precious Indian lives,” the FSUI wrote.The FSUI said the vessel “came under attack while transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait”, describing the incident as part of a wider deterioration in maritime security.The union specifically called for naval protection covering the Black Sea and Red Sea, with particular focus on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.“We respectfully urge the Government of India to deploy maximum Indian Navy assets and protection measures for Indian-flagged vessels and vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Black Sea and the Red Sea, with particular focus on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, until a lasting settlement is achieved among the parties concerned,” it said.The ministry of external affairs (MEA) separately condemned the attack on the Indian-flagged vessel.“All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued,” the ministry said, adding that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh was coordinating with Yemeni authorities over the safety and security of the crew.The MEA also said, “The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome.”Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also condemned the attack and said he had directed the directorate general of maritime administration to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the security of Indian seafarers and assist the rescued crew.Yemen’s ministry of foreign affairs and expatriate affairs also condemned what it described as a Houthi attack on the Indian vessel.“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Republic of Yemen strongly condemns the Houthi terrorist attack that targeted the Indian commercial cargo ship “MSV FAIZE NOORE OLIYA” using an explosive-laden boat while it was sailing in the Red Sea,” the ministry said in a statement.The Yemeni ministry also praised the rescue operation, saying all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals, were safely taken to the port of Al-Makha.It further called for strengthening a multinational defensive naval coalition led by Saudi Arabia to secure shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandab and Gulf of Aden.The maritime tensions continued on Wednesday as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed it had launched a missile attack on a Saudi oil tanker off the coast of Yanbu, the Saudi Red Sea port city.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree did not specify when the alleged attack took place. Saudi officials did not immediately comment on the claim.
