Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 11: A Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was hit by a projectile while sailing through the Persian Gulf on November 10, leaving four crew members injured, including an Indian national, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.
In a post on X, Sonowal said the very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai when the incident occurred. The injured Indian seafarer sustained minor injuries and was safely evacuated ashore for further medical examination.
The minister said the remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian nationals, were safe and accounted for. He added that the government was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety, medical care and well-being of the crew.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial vessels and Indian seafarers navigating key maritime routes in West Asia.
In a separate development, 19 Indian seafarers who had been stranded in Yemen's Hodeidah and Sana'a for nearly two weeks were safely evacuated. The Indian Embassy in Yemen confirmed on Sunday that all 19 seafarers were in good health and on their way back to India. The embassy also thanked those involved in facilitating their evacuation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) last week confirmed that 23 Indian nationals, including 15 seafarers, had lost their lives in the ongoing West Asia conflict. Another five Indian nationals were reported killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said one more Indian national had died after a vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack on November 2. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing the remaining 13 Indian crew members.
Jaiswal said the number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict had risen from 22 to 23, including 15 Indian seafarers.