Tight Security at Paradip Port as Vessel with 21 Pakistani Crew Members Docks

Paradip: Security has been significantly intensified at Paradip Port following the arrival of a merchant vessel with a majority of Pakistani crew members at the port’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) terminal on Wednesday morning.

The vessel, identified as MT Siren II and flying the Hong Kong flag, was transporting a consignment of crude oil for the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The ship had set sail from South Korea, with a stopover in Singapore, before reaching the Odisha coast.

According to official sources, of the 25 crew members on board, 21 are Pakistani nationals. Upon verifying the crew details, the Paradip Immigration Department immediately alerted key security agencies including the Marine Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Customs Department, and port authorities.

In response, a multi-agency security framework was activated. Armed personnel from the Marine Police, CISF, and Customs are maintaining continuous surveillance on the vessel and its crew. Authorities have issued strict instructions prohibiting any Pakistani crew member from disembarking the ship during its stay at the port.

The vessel will remain anchored at the SPM terminal until the crude oil unloading process is fully completed.

The development comes amid heightened national security alerts, prompting port officials to enforce stringent protocols to eliminate any potential risk.