Crude oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers hit by projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf

A Liberia flagged crude oil tanker, carrying six Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, according to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

The minister informed that four crew members sustained injuries, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination.

The remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for.


The government remains in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety, medical care and well-being of all seafarers.

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers," he said.

The latest data by Washington Institute for Near East Policy accessed by Reuters showed that 37 ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways in October, the highest monthly total since the start of the war and 10 attacks have already been recorded so far in November.

Videos posted on social media on Sunday and verified by Reuters showed a Navig8 tanker on fire near the coast of Oman. Three tankers were hit on Sunday for using "unauthorised routes" through the strait, according to the Iranian state broadcaster.

"Even in the event a deal is struck, an increase in flows through the waterway would still depend on mine clearance, insurance costs and whether or not shipowners would even be willing to take the risk," LSEG analysts said in a November 10 note. "Meanwhile, attacks have not slowed."