Capt. Savio Ramos, general secretary of the Maritime Union of India (MUI), announced an ex gratia assistance of ₹12 lakh for the families of the MUI-member seafarers who lost their lives in light of the recent conflict in the Middle East.
MUI is a body representing Merchant Navy officers, who are its members. It is based in Mumbai, with a branch office in Kolkata, and liaison offices in Chandigarh, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Patna, Lucknow, and Tuticorin.
Ramos highlighted how the ongoing US–Iran war "deeply affected" the maritime community of India. "We mourn the loss of our fellow seafarers, the brave souls who set sail in service facing uncertainty and danger, and who tragically did not return home," he added in a message on X.
The MUI general secretary, earlier this week, said that the organisation was taking up the matter of Middle East-led woes of the Merchant Navy with the Government of India.
"The recent developments in the Persian Gulf have created a serious challenge for our maritime workforce," Ramos had stressed on Monday, highlighting how the crisis affected "both those at sea and those awaiting deployment".
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Many seafarers have been unable to sign off or join vessels, he said. Due to this, many mariners are facing uncertainty, loss of income, and financial crunch. The MUI also informed that it was actively seeking relief from the centre on NRI status requirements for seafarers for FY2025-26.