New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) As many as 22 Indian seafarers on board the two foreign-flagged ships, which came under fire from Iran’s military in the Strait of Hormuz during the last 24 hours, are reported to be safe, according to an update issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on Thursday.

Vessel Euphoria, a Panama-flagged container ship, has 21 Indian seafarers onboard, while Vessel Epaminondas, also a Panama-flagged container, has 1 Indian seafarer onboard, the statement said.

Besides, all the other Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are also safe, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima, which safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, reached Mumbai on Wednesday.

The Ministry said that it continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.

The government is according a high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them, including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting with requests to return to India.

The DG Shipping Control Room has handled 7,403 calls and more than 15,639 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 161 calls and 320 emails have been received.

The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,680 Indian seafarers so far, including 65 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.

Port operations across India also remain normal, with no congestion reported, the statement added.

The Ministry of External Affairs also continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. Dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions.

The MEA said it is in regular contact with state governments and Union Territories for the sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.

Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local governments.

Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community.

Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. Ambassadors are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organisations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns, the statement said.

The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India. Since February 28, around 12,12,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected on Thursday.

–IANS

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