Indian seafarer injured as projectile strikes Liberian tanker in Persian Gulf
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New Delhi: A Liberian-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC), MT Fujairah Energy, was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian seafarer.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel was carrying six Indian nationals when it came under attack on Tuesday while travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai.
In a post on X, the minister said the injured Indian seafarer sustained minor injuries and was safely brought ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were reported safe and accounted for.
“On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for,” Sonowal said.
He added that Indian authorities were closely monitoring the situation and remained in touch with the ship’s management company to ensure the security, medical care and wellbeing of the Indian crew.
The incident comes amid heightened risks to commercial shipping in the region. Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs said 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, had died in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. It also reported five Indian deaths in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.
Addressing a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said one Indian national died after a vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing the other 13 Indian nationals after the November 2 attack.
Jaiswal said the latest death raised India’s toll in the West Asia conflict to 23. Of those, 15 were Indian seafarers.
(Inputs from IANS)
