The Merchant Navy Officers Welfare Association (MNOWA), Visakhapatnam, conducted a silent protest from the Kali Mata temple to the YMCA on Beach Road on Sunday (August 9, 2026), condemning the killing of seafarers in war zones. Around 40 merchant navy seafarers took part in the protest and expressed solidarity with seafarers who lost their lives and their grieving families. MNOWA president Kali Prasad said merchant navy seafarers were civilian personnel who worked away from their families and faced risks such as rough weather and piracy while travelling to various destinations to deliver cargo. Mr. Kali Prasad led the protest. Rising toll since FebruaryThe protest comes against the backdrop of a mounting toll among Indian seafarers since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States on February 28, 2026.