Attack on ship in Hormuz injures 11 Indian crew members
Out of 19 crew members on board, 17 were Indian nationals.
Amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, India has condemned the attack on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz near the coast of Oman. The vessel, named MT On Peace (IMO 9893204), had 19 crew members on board, of which 17 were Indian nationals. A total of 12 people were injured in the attack, including 11 Indians. India has demanded an immediate halt to incidents targeting commercial vessels, sailors, and civilian infrastructure.
On Tuesday (October 6), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack, stating that the injured are being treated in Khasab, Oman.
The Ministry of External Affairs said,
''We condemn the attack on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace (IMO 9893204) near the coast of Oman. The vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.'
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the incident on Tuesday, noting that the injured crew members were safely evacuated from the vessel with the assistance of Omani authorities. All the injured are receiving treatment in Khasab, Oman. India has thanked Omani officials for providing rescue and medical assistance.
According to reports,
MT On Peace was passing through Hormuz on Monday when it was struck by a projectile near the coast of Oman. The vessel's International Maritime Organization identification number, or IMO number, is 9893204. The Ministry of External Affairs' statement condemned the attack on the vessel; however, it did not provide information on who carried out the attack or what type of projectile was used.
Providing information about the injured, he said,
“We have learned that 12 crew members were injured, including 11 Indian nationals. The injured crew members have been safely evacuated with the assistance of Omani authorities. They are being treated in Khasab, Oman. We thank the Omani authorities for this crucial cooperation.”
According to details shared by the Ministry of External Affairs, most of the crew members on the vessel were Indian. This attack has raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors. The statement confirmed that the injured are receiving medical assistance; however, detailed information regarding the severity of their injuries or the damage to the vessel has not been provided.
India has also expressed serious concern over the ongoing attacks on vessels in the region. Jaiswal stated that such incidents targeting maritime transport remain a deep concern for India. He reiterated India's demand for an immediate cessation of these attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region. The continuous occurrence of attacks on vessels is a matter of grave concern for India. We reiterate our appeal for an immediate halt to such attacks in the interest of peace and stability in the region.”
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that attacks on commercial vessels, maritime personnel, and civilian infrastructure must cease. India has also emphasized the need to restore the movement of vessels and trade through international waterways as soon as possible. The statement prioritizes the safety of sailors and the uninterrupted operation of maritime trade.
Jaiswal said,
“Attacks on commercial vessels, sailors, and civilian infrastructure must cease. Navigation and trade through international waterways should be restored as soon as possible.”
India's response has emphasized both the assistance provided to the injured Indians and maritime security in the region. The injured have been safely evacuated and treated with the cooperation of Omani authorities. Meanwhile, New Delhi has reiterated that halting attacks on vessels is essential for peace and stability. The Ministry of External Affairs did not disclose the identity of the attacker nor hold any country or organization responsible for the incident.