The Sailors' Union of India – BMS has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment towards Indian seafarers by successfully repatriating stranded crew members from Shiraz, Iran today (19/02/2026) morning.
The rescued seafarers include:
Mr. Sagar Bikane, Mumbai ,Mr.Geneshan Kammatta, Kasaragod ,Kerala & Komara Shiva, Assam.
These young Indian seafarers were illegally recruited and abandoned due to fraudulent and unethical practices by Fraudulent RPSL companies. They were left stranded in a Iran, for eleven months without proper support, salary protection, or repatriation assistance — a gross violation of maritime laws and humanitarian principles.
Upon receiving complaints from the distressed families, the Sailors' Union of India – BMS immediately intervened, pursued the matter with DGS ,MEA and concerned Iranian authorities, and ensured their safe return to India.
It is notable that the Directorate General of Shipping has cancelled the licence of the concerned RPSL entity following exposure of fraudulent activities. However, serious concerns remain regarding:
Illegal recruitment rackets operating openly
fraudulent training and retirement scams.
Police inaction and administrative inefficiencies
continued exploitation of innocent youth from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Such organised maritime fraud not only destroys families financially but also tarnishes the reputation of India’s maritime workforce globally.
The Sailors' Union of India, affiliated with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, strongly demands, that, Immediate criminal prosecution of fraudulent RPSL operators,
strict monitoring and auditing of recruitment agencies by the DGS, fast-track investigation by competent authorities, compensation for affected seafarers, and accountability of officials who failed to act despite complaints to the concerned department.
The Union reiterates that it will continue its relentless fight against corruption, illegal recruitment, and exploitation in the maritime sector.
SUI-BMS stands firm : NO seafarer shall be left behind.
