Kuwait tanker with 21 Indians hit by projectile near Hormuz

New Delhi: A Kuwait-flagged oil products tanker carrying 21 Indian seafarers was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but all crew members are safe, the Centre has said.

The vessel, M/T Al Dasma, came under attack on October 21 near the strategic waterway. A fire broke out on board following the strike but was later extinguished, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 21 Indian crew members, along with the rest of the personnel on the vessel, were completely safe. He said Indian authorities were continuously monitoring the situation and remained in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the security and wellbeing of the seafarers.

UKMTO said the incident occurred around 11 nautical miles west of Bukha in Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker was later anchored after the fire was brought under control. No environmental impact was reported at the time of the advisory.

The attack is the latest in a series of incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf region. Earlier this month, another tanker carrying 15 Indian seafarers was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. All Indian nationals aboard that vessel were also reported safe.

India has repeatedly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners, describing them as legally and morally indefensible. New Delhi has also stressed the need for freedom of navigation and the safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways.

(Inputs from IANS)