Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 23: Fifteen Indian crew members of the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu have safely returned to Mumbai on March 20, days after the vessel was attacked near Khor Al Zubair Port in Iraq.

The attack took place on March 12 after the tanker reportedly ignored warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Following the incident, crew members were forced to abandon the vessel and jump into the sea to save themselves. They were later rescued by a nearby tug and subsequently evacuated by the Iraqi Coast Guard to the Port of Basra.

Of the 28 crew members onboard, including 16 Indians and 12 Filipinos, 15 Indian survivors have now returned home after completing necessary travel procedures, which were delayed as many had lost their documents during the attack.

However, the mortal remains of Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 54-year-old Additional Chief Engineer from Kandivli, are yet to arrive in India. Officials said documentation formalities are underway and may take about a week.

After returning, the crew underwent medical examinations and counselling before leaving for their hometowns. Authorities from the Directorate General of Shipping noted that those who lost essential documents will need to reapply through official channels, a process that could take three to six months—during which they will be unable to resume sailing duties.

Crew members also highlighted shortages of essential supplies aboard vessels stranded in the region, pointing to the broader impact of ongoing tensions on maritime operations.

In a related development, eight crew members from another vessel involved in the Skylight attack reached Mumbai on March 18, after facing similar delays due to the loss of documents during an earlier attack.