Rohit Ramwapuri
Mumbai | 23 June 2025 | News Tanks Bureau: Amid Iran-Israel Conflict, DG Shipping Forms ‘Quick Response Team’ to Rescue Stranded Indian Seafarers
Amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Government of India has taken a major step to ensure the safety and evacuation of Indian seafarers stranded in the region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has announced the formation of a special “QUICK RESPONSE TEAM” to manage emergency coordination, assistance, and rescue operations.
This team will be responsible for ensuring immediate support, safe evacuation, and continuous communication for Indian nationals affected in Iranian and surrounding waters.
Team Leadership and Core Members:
As per the official order, the team will be led by Capt. P.C. Meena, Deputy Director General (Crew), with guidance from Capt. Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor, DG Shipping. The core team also includes:
Capt. Manish Kumar Deputy Director General (Nautical)
Rakesh Jadhav
Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
Vipassi Bhamarkar Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
Administrative & Logistical Support Cell:
To support the core team, a separate group of senior officers from DG Shipping and the Seamen’s Employment Office has been appointed, including:
Santosh Kumar Singh – Dy. Shipping Master
Gaurav Goel
Deputy Superintendent
Shri Kuldeep Singh, Shri Nishant, and Ms. Prajakta Patkar – Upper Division Clerks
Real-time Monitoring:
The Quick Response Team will submit status reports every three hours, covering the location, condition, and evacuation status of the affected Indian seafarers. A dedicated WhatsApp Coordination Group has also been set up for real-time updates and direct communication with ministry officials.
DG Shipping’s Directive:
The DG Shipping has instructed all departments and concerned officials to extend full cooperation to the Quick Response Team. The aim is to ensure zero delays and maximum safety in the rescue and assistance process.
This marks the first time in Indian maritime history that such a rapid and strategic response team has been activated. The move not only offers relief to stranded seafarers but also demonstrates India’s readiness and maritime resilience on the global stage.
The order comes into immediate effect and will remain valid until further notice.
Emergency Contact Information:
Capt. P.C. Meena
Designation: Deputy Director General (Crew), DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 70396 39399
Capt. Manish Kumar
Designation: Deputy Director General (Nautical), DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 90151 36326
Rakesh Jadhav
Designation: Upper Division Clerk, DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 99206 37128
Vipassi Bhamarkar
Designation: Lower Division Clerk, DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 79746 90449
Administrative & Logistical Support Contacts:
Santosh Kumar Singh
Designation: Dy. Shipping Master / Dy. Director, Govt. Shipping Office, Mumbai
Mobile: +91 93204 90825
Gaurav Goel
Designation: Deputy Superintendent, Govt. Shipping Office
Mobile: +91 97693 49502
Kuldeep Singh
Designation: Upper Division Clerk, DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 74156 03132
Shri Nishant
Designation: Upper Division Clerk, DG Shipping
Mobile: +91 82957 02207
Ms. Prajakta Patkar
Designation: Upper Division Clerk, Seamen’s Employment Office
Mobile: +91 96196 93255
