Hyderabad-based Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) sent an urgent letter to the International Maritime Organisation on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, demanding immediate action against fake ship registries that are threatening Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf conflict zone.
The correspondence highlighted recent fatalities among Indian crew members serving on vessels that sail under false flags and bogus protection and indemnity (P&I) certificates. General Secretary Manoj Yadav warned that deceptive operators are exploiting loopholes to sidestep safety and legal requirements, putting lives at risk.
According to the union, at least three tankers have been seized in Mumbai since February 2026 after authorities discovered counterfeit registration documents and suspicious activities linked to the ships. Yadav cited the case of the MT Settebello (IMO No. 9162916), a vessel flagged in Palau that was struck during the ongoing Gulf conflict, resulting in the deaths of three Indian mariners. Investigations revealed that the P&I certificate presented for the flag was fabricated and allegedly issued in the name of The American Club.
Families of the deceased continue to struggle to obtain compensation, a situation the union says underscores the broader humanitarian impact of these illegal operations. The FSUI alleges that the shadow tankers are largely controlled by a network of companies operating out of the United Arab Emirates under various aliases.
In its appeal, the union urged the IMO to launch a thorough inquiry into the matter, emphasizing that the continued use of fraudulent registries leaves seafarers and their families abandoned and without support.
The FSUI’s plea adds pressure on international regulators to tighten oversight of vessel flagging practices, especially for ships navigating sanctioned waters in the Persian Gulf.
Image: siasat.com
đź“° Source: Siasat Gulf