Three Indian seafarers aboard the Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker NCC FAJR are safe after the vessel was involved in a possible attack while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, 11 November.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the news in a post on X. “All 3 Indian nationals, along with the entire crew are safe,” he said. “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.”
01. Second tanker incident in two days
The NCC FAJR incident is the second attack on a tanker in the region in two days. On Tuesday, 10 November, the Liberia-flagged oil tanker MT Fujairah Energy was hit by a projectile while sailing through the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai.
Four crew members were injured in that attack, including one Indian seafarer who suffered minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination. Six Indian seafarers were on board the Fujairah Energy, and the remaining 18 crew members are safe.
On Wednesday, Iran’s army said an oil tanker had struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, where it said it has been targeting ships that transit without its authorisation. It was not clear whether that vessel was the NCC FAJR. On Tuesday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said three oil tankers had caught fire in the strait.
02. Shipping on high alert
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Wednesday it had received a report of an incident involving a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the status of the crew, the extent of any damage and the environmental impact were not yet known.
Abu Dhabi-based Adnoc Logistics and Services also confirmed that one of its vessels sustained damage after an attack in the UAE’s territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf on the afternoon of 10 November.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated the need to protect civilian vessels and seafarers in the region. The government says it is monitoring the situation closely and is in regular contact with the shipping companies involved.
