Indian Seafarer Stranded in Iran Gets Emergency Certificate, Set to Return Home: MEA

November 13, 2026

New Delhi: An Indian seafarer stranded at Iran’s Chabahar Port is now set to return home after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued him an emergency certificate to travel to India.

The seafarer, identified as Akshay Harish, was left behind at the Iranian port after being informed by the captain of the merchant vessel he was travelling on that his passport and other documents had been lost.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the Indian mission in Tehran and the Consulate in Bandar Abbas had contacted Akshay after he approached the consulate on November 9.

Seafarer Disembarked After Passport and CDC Went Missing

Speaking at the bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal said Akshay had boarded a merchant vessel named Plan Marine in Japan in 2025.

When the vessel reached Chabahar Port in Iran, the captain informed him that his passport and Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), a mandatory document held by seafarers and mariners, had been lost. He was subsequently disembarked from the vessel.

Jaiswal said the Indian mission had contacted the ship’s owner and agent after speaking to Akshay. Officials also shared details of the formalities required to complete his travel documentation.

MEA Coordinates With Employer for Return to Kerala

The MEA spokesperson said Akshay was receiving support from his company, which was taking care of his boarding and lodging.

He added that Akshay had applied for an emergency certificate and the document had now been issued, allowing him to prepare for his return.

Jaiswal said the government was making efforts to ensure that Akshay could return to India, particularly to Kerala, as early as possible.

The Indian mission is also in close contact with his employer to complete the remaining arrangements for his return.