Indian authorities report attack on tanker near Strait of Hormuz; crew safe
London: Indian maritime authorities have reported an attack on a tanker sailing eastbound across the Arabian Gulf ahead of entering the Strait of Hormuz, with all crew members accounted for and unharmed, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed on Sunday.
“UKMTO is aware of a report by Indian Shipping Authorities of an attack on a Tanker while transiting through the Arabian Gulf eastbound prior to entering the Strait of Hormuz. The crew are accounted for and safe,” the British maritime security agency stated in an advisory posted on its website.
According to the UKMTO, the scale of damage inflicted by the strike remains unconfirmed.
“Damage assessment and environmental impact are unknown at time of report. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” the advisory noted.
The incident unfolds amid a string of security breaches targeting commercial shipping across the Gulf region.
On November 3, India condemned a strike on the commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI off Oman’s Limah coast that killed an Indian citizen, renewing its appeal for a reduction in regional hostilities.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated.
The MEA confirmed that 14 Indian nationals were aboard the targeted ship, noting that 13 were rescued whilst one Indian national perished in the attack.
Earlier, on October 30, a merchant ship sailing outbound through the Strait of Hormuz caught fire roughly 25 nautical miles north-east of Khasab, Oman, according to UKMTO reports.
“A third-party has reported that a vessel transiting outbound is on fire, the cause is unknown at time of report. Status of crew, damage assessment, and environmental impact are unknown at present,” the agency had stated at the time.
IANS