Union Raises Alarm Over Indian Crew on Hormuz-Bound Vessel VIDEO

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has called on Indian authorities to intervene over concerns for the safety of 16 Indian crew members onboard the Marshall Islands-flagged multi-purpose offshore vessel AM Pioneer.

The union’s appeal follows allegations that the vessel’s owners and managers have been pressuring the ship to transit the high-risk Strait of Hormuz despite continuing security concerns in the region.

In a social media post published on Aug. 17, FSUI alleged that AM Pioneer’s owners and managers were putting pressure on the captain to require the crew to make the voyage. The union claimed that commercial considerations were being placed ahead of the safety of the seafarers onboard.

According to FSUI, the crew members have refused to make the transit under dark conditions or while communications are switched off. The seafarers have also requested immediate repatriation, together with payment of their full wages and any outstanding amounts owed to them.

FSUI also shared an SOS video featuring the vessel’s captain, who provided further details about the situation onboard. According to the captain, AM Pioneer initially arrived at Ras Al Khaimah Port in the United Arab Emirates to undergo a routine survey. The vessel was subsequently instructed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz.

The captain said that 16 crew members have refused to undertake the voyage because they do not want to put their lives at risk.