Five Indian nationals aboard the Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker MT Kazimah III were safely rescued and brought ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Embassy in Oman said.
The embassy said it coordinated the rescue operation and confirmed that all five Indian nationals were safely brought ashore. It also thanked Omani authorities for their assistance during the operation.
The tanker was reportedly sailing towards the port of Lomé in Togo when the incident occurred.
India monitors safety of seafarers in Gulf
The incident comes amid heightened maritime security concerns in the Persian Gulf and other strategically important waterways, including the Red Sea and Black Sea, where commercial vessels have faced attacks and other security threats.
According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently working aboard commercial vessels operating in the region.
Jaiswal said six India-flagged commercial vessels and six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India were operating in the Persian Gulf, with around 163 Indian seafarers aboard these 12 ships.
He added that the Ministry of Shipping was coordinating with Indian diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to track vessel movements and monitor the safety of Indian seafarers.
Jaishankar raises concerns over attacks on shipping
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also expressed concern over increasing threats to commercial shipping and seafarers.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar said attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers had occurred across the Gulf and waterways extending from the Red Sea to the Black Sea.
He stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of international shipping and seafarers, while emphasising compliance with international law.
India has joined Liberia and 23 other countries in efforts to build international support for protecting commercial shipping routes and strengthening maritime security.
