Family Seeks DG Shipping’s Urgent Intervention After Indian Engineer Stranded on Arrested Vessel in Iran
New Delhi: A family in India has appealed to the Director General of Shipping (DG Shipping) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, seeking urgent intervention after receiving information that the merchant vessel MT GLOBAL ACE has been arrested in Iran, leaving Indian crew members onboard in a state of uncertainty.
According to a representation submitted by Shagun Mehta, her brother Ketan Mehta, who serves as a 3rd Engineer on the vessel, is among the crew affected by the ship’s arrest. The family has expressed serious concern over his safety, well-being, and the lack of clarity surrounding the situation since the vessel was detained.
Ketan Mehta is employed by Elysian Wave Marine Private Limited, the family said, adding that the sudden development has caused “extreme mental stress and anxiety” at home, with relatives seeking official guidance and reassurance regarding the next course of action.
In the request, the family urged DG Shipping to “look into the matter at the earliest” and extend necessary support to ensure the security of Indian seafarers, as well as facilitate an early resolution of issues arising from the vessel’s arrest.
Key details shared by the family
- Ship Name: MT GLOBAL ACE
- Rank: 3rd Engineer
- Crew Member: Ketan Mehta
- Employer: Elysian Wave Marine Private Limited
The family has also requested that authorities keep them informed about developments, underscoring the urgency of the matter amid concerns that prolonged detentions can lead to logistical hardships for crew members, including restricted movement, uncertainty around repatriation timelines, and limited access to communication.
The incident has once again brought attention to the vulnerabilities faced by seafarers during maritime detentions in foreign jurisdictions, and the crucial role of Indian maritime authorities in ensuring timely assistance for nationals working aboard international vessels.
