LPG tanker with 9 Indians hit by drone near Strait of Hormuz, all crew safe

New Delhi, Sept. 21 -- A Liberia-flagged LPG tanker carrying nine Indian nationals was reportedly hit by a drone while sailing eastward outside the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to a report prepared by the Directorate of Maritime Administration.

The vessel, identified as M.T. Al Maryah, did not suffer any major damage in the incident. Its power systems and main engine remained operational after the reported drone strike, and the tanker is now safely anchored at Khor Fakkan. All 19 crew members aboard the vessel, including the nine Indian nationals, have been confirmed safe. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns involving commercial shipping in and around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. Recent attacks and disruptions in the region have raised concerns over the safety of vessels and seafarers.

According to the maritime administration report, six Indian-flagged vessels and seven foreign-flagged vessels of Indian interest were present in the Persian Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz. Together, these vessels have 145 Indian seafarers on board. Authorities have also identified nine vessels of Indian interest in the Persian Gulf for evacuation. The group includes seven fertiliser cargo vessels and two other ships. The latest incident adds to a growing list of attacks involving vessels connected to India. So far, four incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and 58 involving foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew have been reported. These incidents have resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities and 12 injuries, while one death is presumed, according to the maritime administration report.

Despite the reported drone strike on M.T. Al Maryah, no fresh operational safety or security incidents involving Indian vessels or Indian seafarers were reported on Sunday. The tanker remains anchored safely at Khor Fakkan, with its crew accounted for and its main operational systems functioning.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.