'All 3 Indian Seafarers Safe' After Possible Attack on Saudi-Flagged Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

All three Indian seafarers aboard a Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker are safe after the vessel was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.

In a post on X, Sonowal said the tanker, NCC FAJR, was carrying three Indian nationals when the incident occurred on November 11. He confirmed that all three Indians, along with the rest of the crew, were safe.

"All 3 Indian nationals, along with the entire crew, are safe," the minister said.

He added that the government was monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the crew.

SECOND TANKER INCIDENT IN TWO DAYS

The incident comes a day after a Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile while sailing through the Persian Gulf on November 10.

The vessel, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it came under attack, Sonowal said. Four crew members were injured, including one Indian national, who sustained minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination.

The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe and accounted for, the minister said. The tanker was carrying a total crew of 24.

Sonowal said the government was in close contact with the ship management company to monitor the situation and ensure medical care and security for the crew.

INDIA CALLS FOR SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH STRAIT OF HORMUZ

The two incidents come amid heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in West Asia. India has called for restraint and the protection of merchant vessels and seafarers travelling through key maritime routes.

On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position on the Strait of Hormuz, calling for safe and uninterrupted navigation through the waterway.

"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," Jaiswal said.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Around one-fifth of global petroleum consumption passes through the waterway, making disruptions there a concern for major oil-importing countries, including India.

India is maintaining contact with the parties concerned to protect civilian shipping and Indian seafarers operating in the region.

With inputs from ANI