'All 19 Indian sailors safe after projectile attack on oil tanker off UAE coast', says Sonowal

All 19 Indian seafarers aboard a Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker are safe after the vessel was struck by a projectile off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.

The vessel, MT Dominica Prosperity, was targeted on November 11 while drifting off Mina Saqr in the UAE. The tanker had 22 crew members on board, including 19 Indian nationals, when the incident occurred.

Following the attack, the UAE Coast Guard evacuated the entire crew. Sonowal confirmed that all 19 Indian seafarers were safe and had sustained no injuries.

The incident came amid growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where repeated attacks have threatened merchant vessels and their crews.

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝

According to the minister, the Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker was drifting near Mina Saqr when it came under projectile attack on Wednesday.

The UAE Coast Guard responded to the incident and evacuated all 22 people aboard the vessel.

Sonowal said the evacuation was completed safely, with no injuries reported among the Indian crew members.

The minister's confirmation brought relief amid heightened concerns about the security of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in the conflict-affected region.

The nature of the projectile, the identity of those responsible for the attack and the extent of damage to the tanker were not immediately established.

𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝

The latest incident followed another projectile attack on a Liberia-flagged oil tanker, MT Fujairah Energy, in the Persian Gulf on November 10.

The vessel, which was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai, was carrying six Indian seafarers when it was struck.

Four crew members sustained injuries in that incident, including one Indian national who suffered minor injuries and was subsequently taken ashore for medical examination.

Sonowal had confirmed on Wednesday that the remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian nationals, were safe and accounted for.

The government said it was closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with the ship management company to ensure the security, medical care and well-being of the affected seafarers.

The two incidents, occurring on consecutive days, have intensified concerns about the risks faced by commercial vessels operating in the Gulf.

𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐳 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

In a separate incident on November 11, a Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker, NCC Fajr, was involved in a suspected attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel was carrying three Indian seafarers, all of whom were reported safe along with the remaining crew members.

Sonowal said the authorities were monitoring developments and maintaining regular contact with the vessel's management.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is among the world's most strategically important maritime passages.

A substantial share of global petroleum shipments passes through the narrow waterway, making its security critical for international energy markets.

Repeated attacks on merchant vessels have raised concerns about disruptions to commercial shipping, the safety of crews and the movement of essential commodities.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

India has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial vessels and seafarers amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently reiterated New Delhi's position that maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must remain safe, free and unhindered.

The government has been communicating with concerned parties to prevent attacks on civilian shipping, including Indian-flagged vessels and ships carrying Indian nationals.

India has also emphasised the importance of respecting international maritime law and protecting merchant crews from the consequences of regional hostilities.

The latest attacks underscore the vulnerability of seafarers operating along critical shipping routes during periods of military confrontation.

With Indian nationals forming a significant part of the international maritime workforce, the government continues to monitor developments and coordinate with shipping companies and regional authorities to safeguard their welfare.