A Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf on November 10, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
The vessel, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, was sailing from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it came under attack, according to the minister’s statement on X.
Four crew members sustained injuries in the incident. The injured Indian seafarer suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination.
Sonowal said the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian nationals on board, were safe and accounted for. The government is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety, medical care and welfare of the crew.
The incident adds to growing security concerns for commercial shipping and Indian seafarers operating in West Asian waters, amid escalating regional tensions and attacks on merchant vessels.
Indian Seafarers Among Conflict Casualties
Earlier, on November 3, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had lost 23 nationals in the ongoing West Asia conflict, including 15 Indian seafarers.
He also confirmed that five Indian nationals had been killed in attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, while two others remained missing.
In a separate incident, Indian seafarer Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat was killed when a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman. The remaining 13 Indian nationals were rescued, with the government working to facilitate their repatriation.
India Calls for Freedom of Navigation
Reiterating India’s position on the escalating maritime security situation, Jaiswal called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.
He emphasised that freedom of navigation through international waters and waterways must be restored and guaranteed, underscoring the importance of protecting commercial shipping and seafarers navigating critical global trade routes.