Indian crew member killed as Iranian missiles hit UAE tankers in Hormuz

Two Emirati oil tankers were hit by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one Indian crew member dead and eight others injured. The UAE called it a blatant attack and said it was prepared to respond to protect its security.

In Short

• Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were sailing through Omani waters when targeted
• Four of the eight injured crew members suffered serious wounds, ministry said
• Six injured were Indians, while two Ukrainians were also hurt

One Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured after two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in the strategically vital waterway.

The ministry said the tankers — Mombasa and Al Bahiyah — were targeted in the southern lane of the strait while sailing through Omani territorial waters. The Indian crew member who died was aboard the Mombasa.

Among the eight injured, four sustained serious wounds. Six of the injured were Indian nationals, while two were Ukrainian nationals, according to the ministry.

The missile strike triggered fires on both vessels, causing material damage. However, crew members were able to bring the blazes under control, the ministry said.

Condemning the incident as a "blatant attack", the UAE said it reserved the right to respond to the escalation and take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.

"The UAE remains fully prepared to deal with any threats," the ministry said, adding that authorities would respond firmly to any attempt to undermine the country's security.

In a separate development, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a tanker travelling about 40 nautical miles northeast of Oman's Qalhat had been struck by an unidentified projectile.

According to UKMTO, the vessel's master reported that the projectile hit the starboard-side engine room. All crew members aboard that tanker were reported safe.

Reuters said it could not immediately determine whether the UKMTO report referred to the same incident reported by the UAE Ministry of Defence.

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With inputs from Reuters