New Delhi, October 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker carrying 21 Indian seafarers was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with all crew members reported safe, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.
The incident involving M/T Al Dasma occurred on Wednesday, October 21, amid a series of security incidents involving commercial vessels in the Gulf region.
Taking to X, Sonowal said the tanker was hit while passing through the strategically important waterway and confirmed that all 21 Indian crew members, along with the remaining crew, were safe.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our seafarers,” the minister added.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also tracked the incident, reporting the strike about 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman.
According to a report by Times Kuwait, the incident triggered a fire aboard the vessel, which was subsequently extinguished. The tanker remained stationary following the incident, while all crew members were reported safe.
The latest incident follows another attack involving an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on October 16. The crude oil tanker MT ST 3, which was carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile. Sonowal had said all Indian nationals aboard were safe and no casualties were reported.
India has repeatedly condemned attacks on commercial shipping and maritime navigation amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. New Delhi has maintained that attacks on merchant vessels and seafarers are “legally and morally indefensible”.
The government has also emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and the “safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways”.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international shipping route for global energy supplies, making security incidents in the area a concern for maritime trade and seafarers.
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