Five Indians rescued after projectile strikes Kuwait-flagged tanker in Strait of Hormuz

New Delhi: Five Indian nationals aboard the Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker MT Kazimah III were safely shifted ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The projectile’s origin has not been established, leaving responsibility for the incident unclear.

A fire broke out after the strike, while the crew was reported safe. The initial maritime security report said the extent of damage and any environmental impact were still unknown.

In a post on X, the Indian embassy in Muscat said it had coordinated the rescue and confirmed: “All 5 Indian nationals have been shifted ashore safely.” It also thanked Omani authorities for their “continued support and assistance”. The tanker was reported to be sailing towards Lomé in Togo.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), in Warning 147 issued on Thursday, said it had received a third-party report of a tanker being struck by an “unknown projectile” while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a fire. UKMTO said the crew was safe, while the extent of damage and any environmental impact were unknown at the time. It advised vessels to transit with caution as authorities investigated.

The incident comes as New Delhi monitors Indian nationals aboard both Indian and foreign-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said 12 ships of Indian interest were operating in the area, with around 163 Indian seafarers aboard.

“At this point, we have six India-flagged commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. We also have six foreign-flagged vessels which are carrying cargo to India. So 12 ships are there. On these ships, we have around 163 Indian seafarers who are on board,” Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

“Apart from this, we also have over 4,500 Indian seafarers who are on board various commercial vessels which are operating in the area,” he added.

Jaiswal also said the Ministry of Shipping was monitoring vessel movements and the welfare of Indian seafarers in coordination with Indian diplomatic missions and other stakeholders.
“Our Ministry of Shipping continues to monitor the movement of these ships and is looking at the well-being of all these seafarers, and as and when required, through our embassies and other stakeholders, they do the needful for their well-being and welfare,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and remains a major route for energy cargoes and international shipping. Insecurity along the waterway can affect vessel movements, freight and insurance costs, and commercial supply chains.

The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, raised the wider threat at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He said Indian and other seafarers had lost their lives in attacks from the Gulf to the Red Sea and the Black Sea. Calling such attacks “completely unacceptable”, he said shipping and seafarers must be protected and international law observed.

The five Indians from MT Kazimah III are now ashore, but the source of the projectile, whether the tanker was deliberately targeted and the full extent of damage remain unclear.