Following the Human Rights at sea ALERT on 1 June 2026 concerning 'Seafarers Detained in Iran Over Possession of Hormuz-Related Phone Media' today, we issue a second ALERT.

Direct engagement with the family of one of the detained seafarers in Iran has highlighted that the situation since last reporting and intervention has not changed, with no news about their family member, and no knowledge of their welfare status. 

Most concerning appears the systemic failure of the national and international seafarer welfare alert and protection systems that are meant to uphold the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 to protect seafarers in their daily employment.

Formal submissions seen by Human Rights at Sea to the Indian Government appear to have yielded no responses, despite multiple submissions for case review and support. 

The MADAD Portal system appears limited in its ability to meaningfully respond for individual cases as exampled by the disclosed concerns.

QUOTE. "Then I filed a grievance on PG portal. Registered Registration No. : MEAPD/E/2026/000XXXX, Grievance was also registered on MADAD PORTAL Grievance ID: IR1PRA90011XXXX and also registered on eNavik whose grievance no is GRM-2026-XXXX I am continuously trying on every portal since 31/05/2026 but I have not seen any positive result till now. The grievance was closed on MADAD portal which I have reopened. Please help us." UNQUOTE.

Further, the seafarer's family has outreached to unions on multiple occasions but to date no responses have been received either at the national level in India, or at the international level in the UK.

In investigatory correspondence, Human Rights at Sea asked:

"So, the position you are in is this.

  1. No news from your brother since his disappearance in Iran.
  2. Rejection of case by Indian authorities and no further support provided.
  3. No response from Indian unions.
  4. No response from ITF at any stage.

Is this correct?"

The family member, themselves a professional seafarer, replied, "Yes".

ITF was approached through the media staff and factually disclosed the evidence of non-engagement in this matter, but declined to respond.

In response, the Indian seafarer family representative currently serving at sea, stated: 

QUOTE. "Why they refused sir?. I am very helpless now. No one is helping us. I can't do anything for my brother. I am going everywhere from last 4 months. But still i am helpless my brother is behind the bar without doing anything from last 4 months and nobody is helping us my family is in deep trauma we don't know what to do how to do we want our brother/son Back [sic]". UNQUOTE.

Human Rights at Sea is seeking engagement with Directorate General of Shipping, India.

COMMENT

There appears to be multiple Indian crew detained in Iran with no family access through established welfare mechanisms for dependents to accurately confirm their basic human rights for their safety, security, and well-being of the person are being upheld. More worryingly, cracks are seemingly appearing in welfare platforms and capabilities established to support seafarers' rights.

ENDS.

 

RISK ADVISORY

Based on information currently available, there remains an elevated risk to seafarers operating in or transiting Iranian waters where authorities may scrutinise personal electronic devices and digital media.

The reported detention of multiple seafarers allegedly linked to Hormuz-related content on personal devices highlights the potential for routine photographs, screenshots, maps, videos, or other maritime-related material to attract official attention. Of additional concern are reports of limited family communication, uncertainty regarding detainee welfare, and difficulties accessing effective governmental, consular, union, and welfare support mechanisms.

Key Risks

  • Detention or questioning following inspection of personal digital devices.
  • Misinterpretation of maritime, navigational, or geographical content.
  • Restricted communication with families, employers, or legal representatives.
  • Inability to rely on union representation.
  • Delays in welfare verification, consular engagement, or legal assistance.
  • Significant psychological and financial impacts on families and dependants.

Recommended Actions

  • Brief crews on local sensitivities regarding photography, mapping applications, and maritime-related content.
  • Encourage review and removal of non-essential material from personal devices before entering higher-risk jurisdictions.
  • Ensure crew understand reporting procedures and detention response protocols.
  • Ensure crew who hold union membership have written confirmation of employment support prior to departing to fulfil contracts.
  • Maintain up-to-date emergency contact and next-of-kin information.

The reported cases raise wider concerns regarding the effectiveness of existing welfare and support mechanisms when seafarers are detained. Maritime stakeholders should exercise heightened caution and ensure robust contingency arrangements are in place for crew and family support.

 

ENDS.

Source: Human Rights at Sea 2026. 

Photo credit: Co-Pilot AI creation.

Contact: If you have any questions, please write to us at enquiries@hrasi.org.

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