VOI World/ Desk
Five Indian sailors were aboard the Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker MT France C when a projectile struck the vessel after it crossed the Strait of Hormuz while travelling westbound. All five Indian sailors have been confirmed safe.
The incident was reported on Saturday amid heightened risks to commercial shipping in and around the Persian Gulf. According to the Directorate of Maritime Administration, four incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and 35 incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew have been reported during the West Asia conflict so far.
The wider situation has also prompted the evacuation of Indian seafarers from vessels operating in the region. Seven Indian vessels are currently in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz, with 153 Indian seafarers on board, according to the report.
In addition, 10 vessels of Indian interest — including both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged vessels bound for India — remain in the Persian Gulf and have been identified for possible evacuation.
Shipping companies have already evacuated 4,091 seafarers as part of efforts to move crews away from areas considered vulnerable to further incidents.
The latest incident involving Indian sailors near the Strait of Hormuz adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers operating through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. The Strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a critical route for global energy shipments.
The Directorate’s report said incidents involving vessels with Indian crew have resulted in nine confirmed fatalities, 10 injuries and one person presumed dead during the conflict so far.
While the five sailors aboard MT France C were confirmed safe, authorities and shipping companies continue to assess the risks facing Indian seafarers and vessels in the region.
