India facilitates repatriation of nine seafarers stranded in Ghana
Accra, July 23
The Indian High Commission in Accra facilitated the repatriation of nine Indian seafarers who were stranded in Ghana for some time.
"High Commission of India, Accra successfully facilitated the repatriation of nine Indian crew members of M/V Rahaf Moon, who had been stranded in Ghana for some time. With active support and close cooperation of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the High Commission ensured timely assistance and the safe return of all the crew members to India via Accra International Airport on 23 July 2026," the High Commission wrote on X.
"The successful repatriation reflects the Government of India's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety, welfare, and well-being of Indian nationals in foreign lands and high seas," it added.
Last week, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) directed ship owners, ship managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) companies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, citing the heightened security situation in the Gulf region.
Taking to the social media platform X, the maritime regulator said the move was aimed at safeguarding the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers amid continuing attacks on merchant vessels operating in the conflict-affected region.
Recent attacks on merchant vessels -- including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT WEDYAN and AL REKAYYAT -- have significantly increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the area, the DGMA said.
The advisory came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after US strikes on Iranian military installations stoked fears of a wider regional conflict and potential disruptions to shipping through Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on July 17 stated that 14 Indian seafarers have lost their lives so far and two remain missing during the escalating conflict in the region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a great example of diplomatic efficiency, but I’m more concerned about the Strait of Hormuz advisory. With tensions in the Gulf, Indian seafarers are being asked to avoid that route—good move by DGMA, but what about their livelihoods? Many families depend on these jobs. Need a balanced approach.
Well done! 🎉 The coordination with Ghana Maritime Authority and ITF shows India’s commitment to its citizens abroad. But the MEA’s note about 14 seafarers lost and two missing is alarming—how many more are at risk? We need better global safety protocols for our sailors, not just repatriation after the fact.
Repatriation is good news, but the advisory against the Strait of Hormuz is a double-edged sword. On one hand, safety first; on the other, this could disrupt India’s energy imports and trade. Hope the government is working on alternative routes or diplomatic solutions—our seafarers deserve protection without sacrificing economic stability.
Proud of our diplomatic corps! 😊 But why were these nine stranded for so long? The system for seafarer welfare needs an overhaul—better insurance, emergency funds, and faster response. The attacks on vessels like Mombasa B show this isn’t a one-off. Kudos to Ghana for helping, but let’s fix the root cause.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.