NEW DELHI: On July 1, an attack by pirates on an India-bound bulk carrier, Golden Arsenal, in the Gulf of Aden was foiled after the captain moved all crew members, including an Indian seafarer, into the vessel’s “citadel” and sought assistance from the Indian Navy.A citadel is a fortified safe room with essential supplies such as food and water, as well as communication equipment, where crew members can take refuge during a pirate attack. The pirates failed to breach the citadel and eventually fled the vessel.Sharing this incident at the National Port Security Conference this week, Captain Vikram Singh Manhas, deputy nautical adviser at DGMA (maritime regulator), urged all crew members and masters to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures prescribed under best management practices (BMP), amid a rise in piracy incidents.Four vessels are held hostage by Somali pirates at present, three of which have Indian crew members aboard.One of the vessels has one Indian seafarer, while the other two have five and 11 Indian crew, respectively.Highlighting the significance of prevention in such cases, Manhas said that once a vessel is held by pirates, everything is dependent upon the negotiations with the pirates and that the government is working to ensure the safe release of Indian seafarers.
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In the direction of ensuring their safety, the government is set to launch a dashboard on August 15 to track every Indian seafarer on any ship. Additionally, shipping and ports minister Sarbananda Sonowal Saturday launched e-Samudra, a digital platform integrating services for seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders, and said, “Every Indian seafarer must be safe, respected and supported as India strengthens its position as a global maritime power.”