Another attack on shipping in the Gulf — and Indians are paying the price. The Hormuz ship attack on the Panama-flagged oil tanker MT On Peace has left 12 crew members injured, 11 of them Indian nationals, prompting a sharp condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
The strike, which occurred while the vessel transited the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, is the latest in a string of attacks keeping the region’s shipping lanes on edge.
Hormuz Ship Attack: What We Know
- Vessel: MT On Peace, Panama-flagged commercial tanker (IMO 9893204)
- Location: Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman
- Crew: 19 total, including 17 Indian nationals
- Injured: 12 crew members, including 11 Indians
The injured sailors have been evacuated with the help of Omani authorities and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman. “We thank the Omani authorities for their valuable support,” the MEA said.
India’s Response
“We condemn the attack earlier today,” the MEA said in a statement, calling continuing attacks on shipping “a cause of deep concern” and reiterating the call for an immediate end to such strikes. The ministry also separately condemned an attack on the merchant vessel Royad Mammadov in the Black Sea, in which two foreign seafarers were killed and Indian crew members were injured.
India and Liberia recently launched a 25-nation “Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers” at the UN General Assembly to push for merchant crew safety — an initiative that looks more urgent with every incident.
The Bigger Picture
The Hormuz ship attack underscores the growing danger for Indian seafarers in Gulf waters. With heightened regional tensions, New Delhi’s diplomatic pressure is mounting — but until the attacks stop, the Indian crews sailing these waters remain in harm’s way.
Sources: Reuters, ABP News (PTI).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indians were hurt?
11 of the 12 injured crew are Indian nationals; the 19-member crew included 17 Indians.
Where are the injured now?
Evacuated to Khasab, Oman, with Omani authorities' help, and receiving medical treatment.
What did India say?
The MEA condemned the attack and called continuing attacks on shipping a "cause of deep concern."
Was there another attack?
Yes — India also condemned a Black Sea attack on MV Royad Mammadov that killed two foreign seafarers and injured Indian crew.
