Indian Mariners and Families Protest for Safety Amid West Asia Conflict
On July 28, 2026, about 150 active seafarers and family members staged a silent march in Kochi, India, organized by the Mariners Society, Ernakulam, to protest the killing of seafarers in military actions related to the West Asia conflict. Participants, including former captain Philip Mathews and active sailor Sardar Kandathil, highlighted escalating risks from bombs and missiles, shrinking job opportunities due to volatile maritime conditions, and difficulties in joining duty because of complicated visa regulations. They criticized the Director General of Shipping's circular warning against sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it benefits Chinese and Indonesian seafarers at the expense of Indian jobs. The group submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and plans to forward it to the Union government, urging India to leverage its market potential to help end the conflict. Families expressed perpetual fear, noting many depend on mariners as sole breadwinners.
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