Five Indian Seafarers Safe after Tanker Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; Shipping Movements Resume Amid Tensions

According to ministry officials, the Liberia-flagged tanker—built in 2021 and managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services—was targeted in the early hours of the morning while attempting to navigate the high-risk corridor. “There was a report of an attack around 2:30–3:00 AM (UAE time). All five Indian crew members onboard are safe,” said Opesh Sharma, Director at the ministry, during an interministerial briefing on West Asia. The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, where vessel movement has been severely disrupted following escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States. 

In a related update, the ministry said the India-bound tanker MT Sarv Shakti, which crossed the Strait on May 2, has revised its destination and is now expected to arrive at New Mangalore Port on May 8.  Additionally, a Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier carrying 46,313 tonnes of cooking gas successfully completed its passage through the strait—marking the first such transit since maritime traffic was disrupted by the ongoing conflict. The vessel, with 20 crew members including 18 Indians, is scheduled to dock at Visakhapatnam Port on May 13.

The crisis erupted after reported joint military strikes by Israel and the United States led to the assassination of Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory action by Iran and a temporary halt in vessel movement across the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has raised concerns over global energy supply chains, given the route’s critical role in oil and gas transportation.

Government data indicates that 13 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded west of the Strait, while at least 11 India-bound ships have successfully crossed the corridor so far. Since the crisis began on February 28, nine Indian LPG carriers and one crude oil tanker have managed safe passage.  Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation as efforts are underway to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and maintain continuity in maritime trade flows.