Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Oct 3: Five Indian nationals aboard a Kuwait-flagged tanker were safely shifted ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman said.
In a post on X, the embassy said it had coordinated the rescue of the five Indian nationals aboard MT Kazimah III after the vessel was hit in the region. It also thanked the Omani authorities for their continued support and assistance during the rescue operation.
The crude oil tanker, sailing under the Kuwaiti flag, was en route to the port of Lome in Togo when it was struck.
The development comes as India continues to monitor the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers operating on commercial vessels across the Persian Gulf.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said earlier that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers were aboard various commercial vessels operating in the area. Of these, around 163 Indian seafarers were aboard 12 active cargo ships, including six India-flagged vessels and six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India.
Jaiswal said the Ministry of Shipping, in coordination with Indian diplomatic missions and local stakeholders, was monitoring the movement of vessels and the well-being of Indian seafarers.
He said the government remained committed to the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers abroad and would take necessary measures through Indian missions and other stakeholders whenever required.
The latest incident comes amid heightened security risks along major global maritime corridors, including the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea, where commercial shipping has faced recurring attacks.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had recently raised concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Jaishankar said attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf and along routes from the Red Sea to the Black Sea were unacceptable. He noted that Indian seafarers, along with seafarers from other countries, had lost their lives in such incidents.
He also said India had joined Liberia and 23 partner countries in an international coalition aimed at mobilising global public opinion and protecting commercial shipping routes.
Jaishankar stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of shipping and seafarers and called for adherence to international law. He also urged immediate restraint and de-escalation in the Gulf region to protect civilian crews and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and global trade.