Pakistani National Denied Entry At Karnataka’s Karwar Port

The ship, which arrived from Al Zubair, Iraq, was carrying a bitumen consignment and had a multinational crew that included 15 Indians, one Pakistani, and two Syrian nationals.

While such international vessels routinely employ crew from various countries, officials enforced strict protocols in light of current security sensitivities.

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The crew of an Iraqi cargo vessel was reportedly denied disembarkation at Karwar port due to the presence of Pakistani and Syrian nationals among them. A senior port official confirmed that these individuals have since been repatriated.

Pakistani National Among Foreign Crew Denied 

The ship, which arrived from Al Zubair, Iraq, was carrying a bitumen consignment and had a multinational crew that included 15 Indians, one Pakistani, and two Syrian nationals. While such international vessels routinely employ crew from various countries, officials enforced strict protocols in light of current security sensitivities.

"Although international cargo vessels often have crew members from various countries, they are typically not allowed to disembark at Indian ports without specific clearances. In this case, standard restrictions were enforced in light of the current security scenario," the port official said, as per a report on PTI.

During the ship's two-day stopover, authorities maintained tight surveillance in coordination with the Coastal Security Police. The foreign crew members were confined to the vessel, and their mobile phones were temporarily collected by the captain to prevent unauthorized communication during the stay.

Inspector Nischal Kumar of the Coastal Security Police confirmed that the vessel departed with all crew members onboard following the completion of cargo operations. 

Speaking to reporters, Coastal Security Police Inspector Nischal Kumar confirmed, as per agency reports, "The individuals were instructed not to use mobile phones and were sent back with the vessel. Coastal surveillance has been intensified, and sensitive areas along the shoreline are under close watch."

Reacting to this development, Parameshwara told reporters, "After this Pakistan incident, special instructions have been given by the Government of India to all the armed forces and the state departments. So, we as a state, have a coastal survey force.... they have stopped (the crew of an Iraqi cargo vessel from disembarking at Karwar port). Naturally, every vessel will be scrutinised before letting it into our water. So they have done a good job. I think whatever the instructions have been given to them, they have done a good job."