Kin of seafarers killed in Hormuz attacks demand UN intervention, compensation, govt. jobs

Kin of seafarers killed in attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have called on the Union Government to take urgent action, demanding international intervention, financial compensation, and employment opportunities for surviving family members. Over 11 Indian seafarers have died in incidents involving commercial vessels in the region in recent months, according to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI). Families of the victims, gathered at a press conference in New Delhi, accused shipping companies of withholding information about the attacks and failing to provide adequate support to the bereaved. Among those present at the event were Patnala Bhargavi, widow of Patnala Suresh, a marine engineer from Sriharipuram in Visakhapatnam, who was killed in an attack on the oil tanker MT Settebello off the Oman coast on June 10. Also attending were Rajesh Sharma, father of Aditya Sharma, and Ajay Chaurasia, uncle of Shivanand Chaurasia, both of whom lost loved ones in the same incident. Rishi Tandon, father-in-law of Heramb Karmakar, a Pune-based marine engineer killed after the merchant vessel GFX Galaxy was attacked near Oman, joined the gathering. These families, representing multiple casualties, expressed deep frustration over the lack of governmental response and the ongoing dangers faced by Indian seafarers. Former MP and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) general secretary Elamaram Kareem and CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan, who also attended the press conference, accused the Union Government of ignoring the plight of Indian seafarers. They called for immediate diplomatic efforts to halt attacks on vessels crewed by Indians and urged stronger advocacy on the global stage. FSUI general secretary Manoj Yadav highlighted that over 15,000 Indian seafarers are currently working in and around the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the critical importance of their safety. He noted that the loss of life has left many families in dire straits, relying on insufficient company compensation. Yadav further stated that the Indian Government has not sufficiently addressed the issue, despite the growing threat of violence in key maritime corridors such as the Black Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. He warned that the situation remains volatile, with risks increasing due to geopolitical tensions. The FSUI and the affected families have demanded that the Union Government file a formal petition with the United Nations, seeking guarantees for safe navigation in international waters. In addition to calling for international intervention, the families requested substantial financial aid, including a minimum of $5 million in compensation per bereaved household from the United States and Iran, or other responsible parties. They also sought ex gratia payments of ₹1 crore per family, government jobs for dependents of the deceased, and posthumous recognition of the victims as martyrs. The demands reflect a broader call for systemic change, aimed at ensuring the well-being of seafarers and their families amid escalating maritime insecurity. As the families continue to push for accountability, the pressure on the Indian Government grows. With over 15,000 seafarers operating in high-risk zones, the need for robust protection measures and transparent communication from shipping firms becomes increasingly urgent. The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for future responses to maritime security challenges affecting Indian workers abroad.