24 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Incidents in Strait of Hormuz, Romania
New Delhi [India], October 17 (ANI): All 24 Indian seafarers aboard two vessels involved in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and Romania are safe, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Friday.
The minister reported that crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on October 16. Chemical tanker YARA J, carrying nine Indian seafarers, was hit by a drone at Sulina Anchorage in Romania on October 14.
Sonowal emphasized that all 24 Indian nationals across both vessels are completely safe with no casualties or injuries. The government is closely monitoring both incidents and coordinating with the ship management companies to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian crew members.
Government Condemns Attacks on Maritime Navigation
Earlier, on Thursday (local time), India strongly condemned attacks on maritime navigation and commercial shipping amid the escalating conflict in West Asia. The country reiterated that such strikes are “legally and morally indefensible” and called for the protection of seafarers, including Indian nationals.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, addressed the United Nations Security Council’s quarterly open debate on the situation in the Middle East. He said India called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities and urged all parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Seafarer Safety
The safety and security of seafarers remains a priority for the Government of India, and these recurring attacks risk further aggravation of a very volatile situation. The government is continuously monitoring both situations and remaining in close contact with the ship management companies to ensure the ongoing security and well-being of Indian crew members.
Previous Incidents Highlight Concerns
On October 11, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal reported that two Indian nationals remain missing after the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was subjected to a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage. Nine crew members have been rescued and are safe.
Search-and-rescue operations were underway by the local Coast Guard, with Indian authorities coordinating with relevant agencies to support efforts to locate the missing seafarers.
Previous Incident Highlights Concerns
On October 11, Marshall Islands-flagged tanker M/T Valthera, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in an onboard fire. Thankfully, all 11 of our Indian crew members are reported to be safe.
The Embassy of India in Oman also said it was closely monitoring the situation and remaining in contact with the concerned authorities.
Original Article: 24 Indian seafarers safe after tanker incidents in Strait of Hormuz, Romania — Indiasnews