Jagdamba Prasad Pandey –
Amid escalating geopolitical conflicts, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has issued an urgent, impassioned plea to the global maritime community to honour seafarers who have lost their lives in high-risk zones and stand in solidarity with those currently serving onboard. Commercial vessels operating in dangerous maritime routes—such as the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Black Sea—face constant threats from missile and drone attacks stemming from hostilities involving Iran, Israel, the United States, and the Russia-Ukraine war. Despite being recognised as essential key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic for keeping global supply chains alive, civilian seafarers now face unprecedented perils and represent a disproportionately high number of conflict casualties.
To pay homage to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to support thousands of active seafarers keeping global trade moving, FSUI has called upon the entire shipping industry to observe World Maritime Day on 25 September 2026 by wearing black ribbons as a mark of respect and remembrance. This silent tribute is coupled with a strong collective message to the world: “Seafarers are the Heartbeats of the Ocean – Stop Killing Them.”
In pursuit of this cause, FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav has formally written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The union is advocating to incorporate this urgent message as an additional theme alongside the official 2026 World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”. Following a crucial meeting in Mumbai on 31 July —briefed by key representatives including Aishwarya Gupta Pilankar, David Birwadkar, Capt. Nazir Upadhye, and Chandrakant Yadav—shipping company leaders unanimously resolved to support the observance. FSUI appeals to all seafarers, shipowners, and maritime organisations globally to join this movement on September 25 and reaffirm that the safety and dignity of human lives must always come before commerce.
Marex Media