11 Indian sailors injured as projectile hits ship in Hormuz, evacuated to Oman

The ministry said continuing attacks on shipping in the region remained a cause of deep concern and called for their immediate cessation in the interests of peace and stability.

In Short

• Injured evacuated and treated in Khasab, Oman with Omani help
• India condemns attack, urges end to strikes on commercial shipping
• Multiple tanker attacks reported in region amid Iran-US tensions

Eleven Indian sailors were among 12 crew members injured after a projectile struck the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace off the coast of Oman on Tuesday while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The injured crew members have been evacuated with the assistance of Omani authorities and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman. Of the vessel’s 19 crew members, 17 are Indian nationals.

India condemned the attack and thanked Omani authorities for their support.

The ministry said continuing attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern and called for their immediate cessation in the interests of peace and stability.

“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest,” it said.

The attack on MT On Peace comes amid a rise in attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. At least seven tanker attacks were recorded in the first week of October, including strikes on the Kuwait-flagged MT Kazimah III and the Liberia-flagged Lipsi, Reuters reported on October 5.

The attacks are continuing even as crude shipments through the waterway have recovered to near pre-war levels.

Indian seafarers have been among the casualties. In July, Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE-linked tankers, MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah, while they were transiting the strait in Omani territorial waters. One Indian crew member was killed, and 10 others were injured, according to Reuters.

Attacks on shipping have escalated amid the Iran-US conflict, with Reuters describing the September 9 incidents as the biggest declared wave of attacks by both sides since the war began.

On September 9, Iran said it had attacked 10 ships near the strait after the US sank five Iranian oil tankers. At least one seafarer was reported killed and another was missing.

The Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Disruptions to the route are affecting oil prices, raising shipping costs and putting energy supplies at risk.

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