New Delhi: A Kuwait flagged oil product tanker carrying 21 Indian seafarers was struck by an unknown projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on October 21. All Indian crew members and the remaining crew aboard the vessel were reported safe following the incident.
The vessel, M/T AL DASMA, was transiting the strategically important waterway when the incident occurred. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the safety of the Indian seafarers and said authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
The minister said the government remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the continued safety and well being of the crew. Monitoring efforts are ongoing as authorities assess the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, serving as a key passage for global oil and petroleum product shipments. Any incident involving commercial vessels in the region raises concerns about maritime security, shipping operations and the safety of seafarers.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over threats to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of targeting commercial vessels and called on Tehran to stop actions that endanger civilian shipping and the lives of sailors.
In an interview on Tuesday, Rubio said Washington would continue efforts to protect maritime traffic through the strategic waterway while maintaining strong economic pressure on Iran.
He alleged that Tehran was directing resources towards supporting terrorism and developing missiles and drones capable of threatening commercial vessels, rather than improving the lives of its citizens.
Rubio stressed that attacks on commercial shipping remained a major concern for the United States, particularly because of the risks posed to civilian crews and international maritime trade.
The latest tanker incident highlights continuing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions can have wider implications for energy supplies, shipping costs and global markets.
For India, the safety of its seafarers remains a key concern, given the presence of Indian crew members aboard commercial vessels operating across international shipping routes. Authorities continue to monitor developments and maintain contact with the vessel’s management to safeguard the crew.
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