24 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Attacks in Hormuz and Romania
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirms 24 Indian seafarers are safe after attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and Romania.
In a sigh of relief for the maritime community, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has confirmed that 24 Indian seafarers safe following two separate, dangerous incidents involving commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Romania.
Projectile and Drone Attacks Target Tankers
The incidents occurred in two different parts of the world, highlighting the growing risks faced by commercial shipping. According to a post shared by Minister Sonowal on X, the first incident took place on October 16 in the Strait of Hormuz, where the crude oil tanker MT ST 3 was struck by a projectile. The vessel was carrying 15 Indian crew members at the time of the attack.
In a separate event on October 14, the chemical tanker YARA J was targeted by a drone at the Sulina Anchorage in Romania. There were nine Indian seafarers on board this vessel.
Despite the nature of these attacks, the Minister emphasized that there were no casualties or injuries.
"Thankfully, all 24 Indian nationals across both vessels are completely safe with no casualties or injuries,"Sonowal stated, adding that the government is maintaining close contact with ship management companies to ensure the ongoing security of the crew.
India Condemns Maritime Violence
These attacks come amidst escalating tensions in West Asia. India has taken a firm stand against the targeting of commercial shipping, describing such strikes as "legally and morally indefensible."
During a quarterly open debate at the United Nations Security Council regarding the Middle East, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. He urged all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over conflict.
Ambassador Parvathaneni stressed several key points regarding international waters:
- Attacks on commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure, and seafarers must stop immediately.
- Freedom of navigation must be upheld according to international law.
- The safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce is essential for global stability.
The envoy further warned that recurring attacks on seafarers risk aggravating an already volatile geopolitical situation, reiterating that the safety of Indian nationals at sea remains a top priority for the government.
Ongoing Search for Missing Crew in Oman
While the news from Hormuz and Romania was positive, a separate maritime crisis remains unresolved. On October 11, the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage.
The vessel was carrying 11 Indian seafarers. While nine crew members were successfully rescued and are safe, two Indian nationals remain missing. Minister Sonowal confirmed that search-and-rescue operations are currently being conducted by the local Coast Guard.
Indian authorities, in coordination with the Embassy of India in Oman, are working closely with relevant agencies to support the efforts to locate the missing personnel and ensure all possible actions are taken to bring them home safely.