Relatives of Indian seafarers killed in recent maritime attacks are demanding government support, international intervention, and $5 million in compensation per family.
Key facts
- •Families are seeking $5 million in compensation per family from the United States and Iran.
- •The FSUI requested an ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore per family from the Indian government.
- •More than 11 Indian seafarers have been killed in commercial vessel attacks in recent months.
- •Approximately 15,000 Indian seafarers are currently working in the Strait of Hormuz region.
- •Relatives of victims from Visakhapatnam and Pune attended the press conference to voice their grievances.
Families of Indian seafarers killed in attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have called on the Indian government to petition the United Nations for justice. During a press conference in July 2026, relatives and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) demanded $5 million in compensation for each bereaved family from the United States and Iran. They also requested government jobs for dependents and official recognition of the deceased as martyrs.
By the numbers
Allegations Against Shipping Companies
Families at the press conference alleged that the companies owning the vessels where their relatives worked failed to provide timely information regarding the attacks and subsequent deaths. The FSUI stated that more than 11 Indian seafarers have died on commercial vessels in recent months, noting that many families have yet to receive promised compensation from these companies.
Government Action Demanded
Former MP Elamaram Kareem and MP V. Sivadasan joined the families in criticizing the Union Government for its response to the situation. The FSUI urged the government to initiate diplomatic dialogues to ensure safe navigation in international waters, citing rising risks in the Black Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. The union estimates that over 15,000 Indian seafarers currently operate in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu.
