Indian Seafarers Safe After Projectile Attack on Oil Tanker in Persian Gulf

NEW DELHI – A tense security situation unfolded in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday when a Liberia-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the MT Fujairah Energy, came under fire while navigating through international waters. The vessel, which was en route from Al Ruwais to Dubai, was struck by a projectile, prompting immediate concern for the welfare of the crew on board, which included six Indian nationals.

Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident on Wednesday morning, providing details regarding the condition of the maritime personnel. According to the Minister, the strike resulted in injuries to four crew members. Among those injured is one Indian national, who sustained minor wounds during the impact.

Swift Response and Medical Evacuation

Authorities moved quickly to stabilize the situation following the strike on November 10. The injured Indian crew member has been successfully evacuated from the vessel and brought ashore to receive professional medical care.

In a statement shared via social media, Minister Sonowal reassured the families of the seafarers that the situation is being managed with the utmost priority. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and well-being of our seafarers,” the Minister stated.

The remaining 18 crew members, which includes the five other Indian nationals serving on the vessel, are reported to be safe and accounted for. Officials have confirmed that despite the structural damage caused by the projectile, the ship remains secure and the rest of the crew is stable.

Rising Maritime Tensions in the Region

The attack on the MT Fujairah Energy serves as a stark reminder of the escalating risks faced by commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. As a critical artery for global energy transit, the region has seen a series of unexplained incidents and security threats involving tankers in recent months.

The Indian government has been increasingly proactive in safeguarding its maritime interests and the safety of Indian sailors, who form a significant portion of the global merchant navy workforce. New Delhi maintains close coordination with international maritime security agencies to ensure that commercial vessels operated by Indian nationals—or those carrying Indian crew—remain protected while traversing high-risk zones.

Ongoing Investigations

While the specific origin of the projectile has not been publicly identified, the incident has triggered a broader investigation into the security protocols of vessels operating in the volatile corridor. Shipping companies and regional maritime authorities are expected to review transit routes and defensive measures in light of this event.

For now, the primary focus for the Ministry of Shipping remains the recovery of the injured crew and the continued safety of the remaining personnel on the MT Fujairah Energy. Further updates are expected as the investigation into the source of the projectile progresses and the vessel undergoes a full damage assessment. The incident marks yet another challenge for the international maritime community, which continues to struggle with maintaining the safety of essential supply chains amid regional geopolitical instability.

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