PHOTO: REUTERS
India says 12 injured after tanker attacked off Oman
· The Straits Times- India reported 12 crew members injured after the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; injured crew are receiving treatment in Oman.
- India condemned the attack and highlighted ongoing concerns over repeated incidents targeting ships and Indian sailors in the region since the Middle East war began.
- The statement urged immediate cessation of attacks to restore peace, stability, and safe navigation through this vital international shipping lane amid Iran-US tensions.
NEW DELHI – India said 12 crew members on a Panama-flagged tanker had been injured in an attack while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Oct 6, with those hurt receiving medical treatment in Oman.
“We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace... it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the tanker had a 19-member crew, including 17 Indians. Of those injured, 11 are Indians.
“With the assistance of Omani authorities, the injured crew have since been evacuated and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman,” it said.
India is one of the largest contributors of sailors to merchant shipping worldwide, and several of its mariners have been killed in Hormuz attacks since the Middle East war began on Feb 28.
An attack on a cargo ship in the same region in September killed an Indian sailor, according to New Delhi.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India,” the ministry said.
Iran has sought to impose its control over the vital shipping lane for Gulf oil and gas since the start of the war, occasionally striking ships accused of failing to coordinate with its authorities or deviating from its preferred route.
In retaliation, the United States has been enforcing a counter-blockade of Iranian ports, carrying out strikes of its own on ships it says refuse to comply.
“We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.
“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.” AFP