Iran‑Israel War: Three Indian seafarers killed, one missing as maritime attacks intensify

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has confirmed three Indian seafarers have lost their lives, and one remains missing, amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Four others sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical care, officials said.

"Regarding the ongoing crisis and the prevailing situation in the Gulf region, unfortunately, as I mentioned yesterday, three casualties involving Indian seafarers have been reported. One seafarer remains missing. Additionally, four seafarers sustained minor injuries; however, all those who sustained injuries have been brought out and are currently receiving medical treatment," said Rajesh Kumar Sinha of the Shipping Ministry.

He added that the ministry continues to closely monitor the maritime situation, describing it as "continuously evolving."


Sinha provided a breakdown of Indian-flagged vessels in the area. "To the west of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Persian Gulf, there are 24 Indian-flagged vessels, carrying a total of 677 Indian seafarers, the same number as yesterday. To the east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, there were previously four vessels; yesterday, one of them—the Jag Prakash, an oil tanker—departed the area. Consequently, three Indian-flagged vessels now remain in that region, carrying 76 Indian seafarers," he said.

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He also highlighted the broader scale of Indian presence in the region. "Across the entire Gulf region, there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers working on various vessels—including merchant ships and offshore vessels. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) maintains continuous contact with all of them through their respective engagement agencies," Sinha said.