19 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Targeted Off UAE; Two Other Vessels Also Report Attacks
All 19 Indian seafarers aboard the Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker MT DOMINICA PROSPERITY are safe after the vessel was targeted in a projectile attack off Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
The tanker was carrying 22 crew members when it was targeted while drifting off Mina Saqr. The UAE Coast Guard evacuated the entire crew, with no injuries reported among the 19 Indian nationals on board.
"The entire 22-member crew was swiftly and safely evacuated by the UAE Coast Guard, and all 19 of our Indian nationals are completely safe with no injuries," Sonowal said in a post on X.
He added that the government was in regular contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew's safety, welfare and logistical support.
The Wealth Issue 2026
06 Nov 2026 - Vol 05 | Issue 45
Portraits of Dreamers and Doers under 35
THREE TANKERS INVOLVED IN INCIDENTS
The latest incident is the third involving oil tankers carrying Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region since November 10.
On Wednesday, a Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker, NCC FAJR, carrying three Indian seafarers, was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Sonowal said all three Indian nationals and the remaining crew were safe.
The minister said authorities were monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew's security and wellbeing.
A day earlier, on November 10, the Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was hit by a projectile while travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai through the Persian Gulf.
The vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers. Four crew members were injured, including one Indian national who suffered minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination.
The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were reported safe and accounted for.
Sonowal said the government was coordinating with the ship management company to ensure medical care and continued support for the crew.
INDIA CALLS FOR SAFE MARITIME PASSAGE
The incidents come amid heightened regional tensions and concerns over the safety of commercial shipping routes in West Asia.
India has called for restraint and adherence to international maritime law, particularly to protect merchant vessels and seafarers operating through critical waterways.
On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was in contact with all concerned parties to prevent attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers.
"We continue to call for safe, free and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We are in touch with all concerned parties to avoid attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, including Indian vessels which are under the Indian flag as well as Indian seafarers," he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy transit routes, carrying around 20 per cent of global petroleum flows. India relies heavily on the passage for crude oil imports.
Indian nationals also account for a significant share of the global maritime workforce, making the safety of commercial vessels and their crews a key concern for New Delhi.
With inputs from ANI