24 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Attacks In Strait Of Hormuz And Romania
All 24 Indian seafarers aboard two vessels struck by a projectile and a drone are safe, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Friday, amid a series of attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf region.
In a post on X, Sonowal said crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on October 16. A day earlier, on October 14, chemical tanker YARA J, carrying nine Indian crew members, was hit by a drone at Sulina Anchorage in Romania.
The minister said all 24 Indian nationals aboard the two vessels were safe, with no casualties or injuries reported. Authorities are monitoring both incidents and maintaining contact with the ship management companies to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members.
The incidents come amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers, raising concerns over maritime security and the safety of shipping routes.
On October 11, the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was targeted in a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage in Oman. Nine crew members were rescued, while two Indian nationals remained missing. Search-and-rescue operations were underway, with the local Coast Guard leading the efforts and Indian authorities coordinating with the relevant agencies.
The Indian Embassy in Oman said it was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the concerned authorities.
In another incident on October 11, the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker M/T Valthera, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a fire onboard. Sonowal said all 11 Indian crew members were safe.
Earlier, on October 9, the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT GEM NO.2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage. All 22 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were reported safe.
India has strongly condemned attacks on commercial shipping, describing them as “legally and morally indefensible.” At a United Nations Security Council debate on the Middle East, India's envoy Harish Parvathaneni called for de-escalation and urged parties to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
India has also stressed that attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must stop. It has called for freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded movement of maritime commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The government has reiterated that protecting Indian seafarers remains a priority as continuing tensions in West Asia threaten maritime safety and vital international shipping routes.