India has once again demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian values and leadership on the global maritime stage by rescuing nine Indonesian seafarers stranded at sea -marking a significant achievement. This courageous and coordinated effort was made possible through the collaboration of the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF).
These seafarers had been stranded aboard the vessel MV Sencer 1 at Mumbai Port for nearly a year due to a prolonged legal dispute. The ship, formerly operating under the Zanzibar flag, had been declared unseaworthy and abandoned by its owners, who refused to assume any responsibility for the crew.
India’s Humanitarian Initiative Becomes a Lifeline
Recognizing the severity of the crisis, DG Shipping under the leadership of IAS officer Shyam Jagannathan intervened and launched a coordinated mission. This effort will stand as a milestone in maritime history and serve as a model for international organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Captain Daniel Joseph, Deputy Director General of DG Shipping, personally visited the Indonesian Consulate, met the stranded seafarers, and saw them off with warm wishes. It was a poignant moment where diplomacy, compassion, and maritime governance came together.
Steps Taken by India to Resolve the Crisis:
The vessel was moved to a secure anchorage at Reti Bunder, Mumbai Provision of food, clean water, medicines, and other essentials was ensured through NUSI and the RPS agency Arrangements were made for replacement crew and pending salaries A comprehensive repatriation plan was executed for the safe return of the stranded crew
All nine Indonesian seafarers have now departed for their homeland.
India’s intervention not only brought a humanitarian crisis to an end but also sent a powerful message to the global maritime community -The sea is not just a channel for trade, but a domain for upholding life and dignity.”
A Global Message from India
DG Shipping’s decisive action reflects India’s ethical commitment and leadership in maritime administration. At a time when abandonment cases are on the rise globally, India has not only provided a solution but also offered a fresh vision for handling such issues.
It is also hoped that Indian seafarers languishing in foreign jails for various reasons will be treated with similar empathy and efforts will be made to bring them back to India.
