Eleven Indian Crew Members Injured in Attack on Merchant Vessel
In a concerning incident, eleven Indian crew members aboard a Panama-flagged merchant ship were hurt after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. This attack has drawn strong condemnation from the Indian government.
The tanker, known as the MT On Peace, was hit while navigating near the coast of Oman early Tuesday morning. Out of the 19 crew members on board, which included 17 Indians, a total of twelve individuals sustained injuries, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry.
In a positive development, the injured crew members were evacuated with the help of Omani authorities and are now receiving medical care at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. The Indian government expressed gratitude towards Oman for their invaluable support during this difficult time.
India has reiterated its urgent call for an end to all attacks on merchant vessels in international waters. A statement from the ministry highlighted the deep concern over the ongoing assaults on shipping in the region, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure peace and stability.
Furthermore, the ministry stressed that the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure must cease, urging for safe navigation and commerce to be restored through international waterways as soon as possible.
This incident adds to the grim toll of 17 Indian seafarers reportedly killed in various attacks linked to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which began following assaults by Israel and the U.S. on Iran earlier this year. Additionally, five Indian sailors have lost their lives in attacks on vessels in the Black Sea.
