Hours after a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman, India on Tuesday condemned the attack and called for an immediate cessation of such incidents in the interest of peace and stability in the region.
The vessel carried 19 crew members, including 17 Indian nationals. In total, 12 crew members, 11 of them Indian nationals, sustained injuries in the strike, according to the ministry of external affairs (MEA).
With the assistance of Omani authorities, the injured crew members were evacuated and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman.
The MEA said the crew of the vessel were evacuated with the help of the Omani authorities.
“We thank the Omani authorities for their valuable support. The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region remain a cause of deep concern for India. We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region,” the MEA statement read.
The ministry also called for an end to attacks targeting commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region.
“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest,” it said.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that an oil tanker transiting outbound has been struck by an unknown projectile on October 5.
“UKMTO has received a time-late report of an incident within the Strait of Hormuz,” it said.
UKMTO cited a verified source and advised vessels to transit the area with caution.
Authorities are investigating the incident. UKMTO didn’t disclose the name of the vessel or the company.
