37 Indian-flagged vessels stranded after Strait of Hormuz closure: reports

As military tensions escalate in West Asia, 37 Indian-flagged ships carrying more than 1,000 seafarers have been stranded across the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters following the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, as per reports.

The shutdown of the narrow but strategically crucial maritime corridor comes amid ongoing military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran, severely disrupting one of the world’s busiest oil transit passages.

Reports citing officials said that a total of 37 Indian-flagged vessels with 1,109 sailors remain stuck in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas due to the closure of the key shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has already claimed Indian lives. At least three Indian seafarers aboard foreign-flagged vessels have been reportedly killed and one injured amid the hostilities in West Asia.

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) reportedly said it is maintaining constant communication with shipping companies and closely monitoring the situation.

In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has established a dedicated quick response team to coordinate efforts and assist affected seafarers and their families.

Shipping companies and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been advised to exercise caution in deploying crew and to maintain regular contact with sailors and their families. Helpline numbers have also been activated.

As per reports, the DGS has issued an advisory to maritime operators to undertake voyage-specific risk assessments following the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities are tracking maritime security threats in the region, including missile and drone activity, electronic interference and other evolving risks.

India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reportedly chaired a review meeting on Tuesday to assess the security situation in the Gulf and evaluate its implications for Indian maritime assets and personnel.

Close coordination is being maintained with the Indian Navy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and Indian missions abroad.

The disruption follows continued American and Israeli air strikes across Iran after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran and its allies have retaliated against Israel, Gulf states and energy-linked targets, raising fears of prolonged instability in a region critical to global oil and gas supplies.