Key Highlights
- Incident Date:November 10, 2023, during transit in the Arabian Gulf.
- Injuries:Four Indian crew members injured, one requiring medical attention.
- Response:Increased naval surveillance by the Indian Navy and ongoing investigations.
DUBAI — A Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was hit by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Arabian Gulf, injuring four crew members and sparking renewed maritime security concerns across critical regional trade routes.
The incident occurred on November 10 as the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) MT Fujairah Energy was navigating from Al Ruwais, United Arab Emirates, toward Dubai. According to official statements from India's Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, the impact injured four crew members aboard the vessel. One Indian national sustained minor injuries and was safely brought ashore for further medical examination and treatment.
The remaining 18 crew members—including five other Indian seafarers—were reported safe and accounted for following the strike. Sonowal confirmed, "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," in a statement on X.
This attack comes amid escalating tensions and rising threats to commercial shipping navigating the Persian Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Indian diplomatic officials have repeatedly called for immediate steps to restore de-escalation, emphasizing that freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of international trade must be guaranteed and protected under maritime law.
Naval authorities and international maritime security agencies have launched an investigation into the origin of the projectile and the extent of structural damage to the vessel. International maritime security groups, including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), have advised commercial vessels operating throughout the Arabian Gulf and Persian Gulf region to exercise extreme caution, maintain heightened watches, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Shipping analysts warn that continued strikes on merchant vessels could drive up marine insurance premiums and lead to temporary rerouting of key crude supply lines across vital global shipping lanes. In response to the strike, the Indian Navy has increased its surveillance and patrol deployments in adjacent waters to ensure the safety of merchant vessels flagged to or crewed by Indian nationals. Foreign ministry representatives emphasized that regional diplomatic channels remain open as international partners collaborate to investigate the strike, secure shipping corridors, and prevent further escalation.
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