New Delhi: A Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker, M/T Al Dasma, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with 21 Indian seafarers on board. All of them are safe, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said.
"On Oct 21, Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker M/T AL DASMA, carrying 21 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. All 21 of our Indian crew members, along with the rest of the crew, are completely safe," Sonowal said on social media. "We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company," he added.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations tracked the strike 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman. A fire broke out on the vessel and was later extinguished.
On October 16, a crude oil tanker, MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the strait. All Indian nationals were safe.
Separately, an Indian national was injured in an attack on Saudi Arabia's Shaybah oilfield, and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it is in touch with Saudi authorities. Saudi authorities said two residents were killed after shrapnel fell when air defences intercepted an attempted attack.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy claimed it hit and set ablaze four vessels in the northern Persian Gulf and that three others struck mines west of Hormuz. The claims could not be independently verified.
Brent crude has risen above $110 a barrel. India has repeatedly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers.
This is reported to be the fifth incident in October involving vessels carrying Indian seafarers. India has stressed safe passage through international waterways. With fewer ships transiting, freight costs and insurance premiums are seen rising.