New Delhi [India], November 11 (ANI): All three Indian seafarers, along with the entire crew aboard the Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker NCC FAJR, are safe after the vessel was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the tanker was carrying three Indian seafarers when it was involved in a possible attack on November 11.
“On Nov. 11, 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.
Confirming the safety of the crew, the minister stated, “All three Indian nationals, along with the entire crew, are safe.”
He added that the situation was being continuously monitored and that authorities remained in regular contact with the ship management company.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in regular contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and well-being of our seafarers,” Sonowal added.
Earlier, on Tuesday, a Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national, Sonowal said.
In a post on X, the minister said the vessel, MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, was traveling from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it came under attack.
“On Nov. 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying six Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination,” the minister said.
He further stated that the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe and accounted for.
“The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for. We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and well-being of our seafarers,” Sonowal added.
Meanwhile, amid rising regional instability threatening vital energy and trade routes in West Asia, India has called for restraint and strict adherence to international maritime law to protect merchant vessels and Indian crew members navigating critical shipping corridors.
Addressing concerns over threats to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Tuesday, “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. So that is where we are on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s petroleum passes. India relies heavily on this route for crude oil imports, while Indian seafarers account for nearly 10–12 percent of the global maritime workforce.
New Delhi is actively engaging with all concerned parties to protect civilian shipping, seafarers, and Indian-flagged vessels. (ANI)
About The Author
