The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Wednesday dismissed reports claiming that an India-linked vessel fell victim to cyber criminals or extortion in West Asian waters..
During an inter-ministerial briefing, Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said that rumours circulating about the vessel Sanmar Herald are false.
“News is spreading about the reported payment by the captain of the vessel Sanmar Herald in USD to persons claiming to represent the IRGC Navy to grant right of passage and falling victim to cyber criminals,” Mangal said.
“We spoke with the owner of the vessel, and he confirmed that it is fake news and no such incident has happened,” he added.
He further stated that the government is continuously coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. The Ministry confirmed that no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the last 24 hours.
“No incident involving Indian flag vessels has been reported in the last 24 hours, and our seafarers are safe in the Persian Gulf region,” he said.
However, a Gujarat-bound and Liberia-flagged vessel was seized by the IRGC Navy while attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.
There are currently 14 vessels (13 Indian-flagged and one Indian-owned) in the Persian Gulf region, with 10 having already transitioned safely out of the area.
He said, “At present, 13 Indian flagged vessels plus one Indian-owned vessel, i.e. a total of 14 vessels are there in the Persian Gulf region, of which a total of 10 vessels have passed from the Persian Gulf to this side.”
“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remains the top priority. We are monitoring the situation continuously and are committed to extending all possible help,” Mangal added.
The official further confirmed that Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima is expected to dock in Mumbai this evening. The vessel, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, successfully crossed the region on March 18 and is completing its journey home without incident.