The MT Kazimah III, a crude‑oil tanker flying the Kuwaiti flag, was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Oct 2 2026, forcing the vessel to slow and divert to the nearest port. Five Indian seafarers aboard were rescued and brought ashore by Omani naval crews, the Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed in a post on X.
The embassy thanked Omani authorities for their prompt response and cooperation, noting that the swift evacuation prevented any injuries and that all five crew members were shifted safely.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that over 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Gulf, with 163 aboard 12 active cargo vessels, underscoring the scale of India’s maritime workforce abroad.
The incident comes amid a broader climate of escalating maritime threats, with UN Secretary‑General remarks on the latest attacks in the Gulf, Red Sea and Black Sea prompting India to join a coalition of 23 partner states to defend commercial shipping lanes.
As part of its response, the Ministry of Shipping will monitor the movements of Indian‑flagged and foreign‑flagged vessels in the region, and the embassy will maintain close coordination with Gulf‑side authorities to safeguard its seafarers.
The next step will be a review of security protocols for Indian crews on foreign‑flagged ships, with officials promising a brief to the Parliament on maritime safety by the end of the month.