Three Indian seafarers escaped uninjured after their Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker came under a suspected attack in the Strait of Hormuz on November 11, the Centre confirmed Wednesday.
All crew members survived.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the vessel, the NCC FAJR, was navigating the strategic maritime chokepoint when the incident occurred. Sonowal affirmed that Indian maritime authorities established direct communication with the vessel's management company to monitor the safety of the crew.
"On Nov 11, Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker NCC FAJR, carrying 3 Indian seafarers, was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz," Sonowal stated. "All 3 Indian nationals, along with the entire crew, are safe. We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in regular contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our seafarers."
The Hormuz incident came less than 24 hours after another commercial vessel staffed by Indian sailors took fire in nearby waters.
On November 10, a projectile slammed into the Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY as it sailed through the Persian Gulf between Al Ruwais and Dubai. That strike wounded four crew members, including an Indian national who suffered minor injuries before emergency teams evacuated him ashore for medical evaluation.
The remaining 18 crew members aboard the MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY—including five other Indian nationals—were accounted for without physical injury. Indian shipping authorities remain in continuous contact with the operating company to oversee the injured sailor's recovery and safeguard the ship's compliment.
| Vessel Name | Flag State | Incident Date | Transit Route / Location | Indian Nationals Onboard | Reported Casualties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCC FAJR | Saudi Arabia | November 11 | Strait of Hormuz | 3 seafarers | None (Entire crew confirmed safe) |
| MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY | Liberia | November 10 | Persian Gulf (Al Ruwais to Dubai) | 6 seafarers | 4 injured (1 Indian national with minor injuries) |
The dual attacks have escalated security anxieties across the world's most critical energy transit arterial, where commercial traffic faces mounting regional friction.
New Delhi responded by demanding strict compliance with international maritime law to protect commercial vessels and merchant mariners operating under civil flags.
We continue to call for safe, free and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We are in touch with all concerned parties to avoid attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, including Indian vessels which are under the Indian flag as well as Indian seafarers.
Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways stated that diplomatic missions and maritime desks will maintain active surveillance protocols across the Persian Gulf corridor as regional shipping lines review transit security measures.