New Delhi: The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has formally called on United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, seeking an independent UN investigation into the deaths of four Indian seafarers allegedly linked to US military actions and conflict-related disruptions in the Gulf region off Oman recently.
The four slain Indian seafarers include Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh, Deck Cadet Aditya Sharma, Fitter Shivanand Chaurashiya, and Second Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan.
The union has called for accountability, justice, and compensation of USD 5 million for each affected family, arguing that merchant seafarers are civilian workers who must never become casualties of armed conflict.
"Seafarers are civilians, not casualties of conflict," FSUI said, calling for international action to protect merchant mariners navigating one of the world’s most volatile shipping corridors.
In its representation to the UN, FSUI urged an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding multiple incidents involving commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the broader impact of military operations and maritime blockades on civilian shipping safety.
FSUI argued that these incidents demonstrated how civilian seafarers had become unintended victims of geopolitical confrontation.
