Kuwait-Flagged Tanker With 21 Indians Hit by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz; All Crew Safe

Oman: A Kuwait-flagged oil products tanker carrying 21 Indian seafarers was struck by an unknown projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, but all crew members were safe, India’s government said.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed in a post on X that the vessel, M/T Al Dasma, was hit on October 21 and that all 21 Indian crew members, along with the rest of those on board, were completely safe. He said Indian authorities were closely monitoring the situation and staying in constant contact with the ship’s management company to ensure the seafarers’ security and wellbeing.

The impact started a fire on the ship, which was later put out, according to Times Kuwait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the incident happened around 11 nautical miles west of Bukha in Oman, near the strait. The tanker then anchored after the blaze was brought under control. No one has claimed responsibility, and the origin of the projectile has not been identified.

It is the second such incident involving Indian crew this month. On October 16, the crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was also hit by a projectile in the strait, and all Indian nationals aboard were reported safe.

The strike comes amid rising Gulf tensions, with Saudi airports and an oil facility reportedly attacked this week and reports of possible fresh US-Israeli strikes against Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments, has been a flashpoint since the US-Iran war began in the spring, with shipping through it repeatedly disrupted.