Eleven Indians Injured in Attack on Commercial Vessel in Strait of Hormuz

In a troubling incident that underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, eleven Indian nationals sustained injuries when a commercial ship was attacked while navigating through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The incident occurred aboard the Panama-registered MT On Peace, which was carrying a total crew of 19, predominantly consisting of Indian sailors. Reports indicate that the vessel was struck by a projectile, leading to injuries among twelve crew members, all of whom were promptly evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and are currently receiving medical attention.

This attack comes on the heels of another tragic event which saw an Indian seafarer lose his life in a similar assault on September 23. That incident involved the ship being targeted by two torpedoes while en route to India, highlighting the escalating risks faced by maritime professionals in the region. Since the onset of conflict in West Asia, eleven Indian seafarers have tragically lost their lives in the Strait of Hormuz, with a total of four Indian vessels and around sixty foreign-flagged ships falling victim to hostilities.

The MEA has vehemently condemned the attack, expressing deep concern over the safety of commercial shipping in the area. In a statement, the ministry reiterated the urgent need for an immediate halt to such violent acts that threaten peace and stability in the region. It emphasized that the targeting of civilian infrastructure and maritime operations is unacceptable and called for the restoration of safe navigation through international waters.

The situation in West Asia remains precarious, particularly following the escalation of military actions involving the United States and Israel. As the region grapples with ongoing conflict, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by seafarers and the need for robust international efforts to secure safe passage for commercial vessels. The Indian government continues to advocate for the safety of its citizens abroad and urges the international community to prioritize peace and stability in these critical trade routes.

Source: scroll.in