Mumbai, July 17 -- The Directorate General of Maritime Administration has asked local shipowners and Recruitment and Placement Services (RPSL) to avoid deployment of Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, as the US-Iran war has intensified, The Nautical Surveyor and deputy DG (technical) Ravi Singh Sikarwar issued a circular on July 15 and it said that ship owners, ship managers and RPSL Companies are directed to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels undertaking voyages involving passage through the Strait of Hormuz until further orders. So far nine Indians have died in the West Asia crisis and one is missing. Seven Indians are injured The circular said that recent incidents involving attacks on merchant vessels, including Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan and Al Rekkayat over the past few days have increased the risks faced by seafarers and commercial ships operating in the conflict-affected area significantly. Manoj Yadav general secretary of Forward Seamen Union of India said, "Any step to deal with crisis is welcome. But what about the steps to evacuate or have passage for people who are stuck in West Asia crisis.'' Figures released by directorate of Maritime Adminsitration said that eight Indian vessels are in Persian Gulf (West of Strait of Hormuz), with 171 Indian seafarers onboard. A total of 3,932 seafarers have been evacuated by various shipping companies as of July 15, according to official data....