Tanker Attacks: All 24 Indian Seafarers Safe, Says Sonowal

All 24 Indian seafarers aboard two tankers attacked in separate incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and Romania are safe, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Friday, October 16. The Economic Times reported his statement on X, which said there had been no injuries or casualties among the Indian nationals on either vessel.

The crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on October 16, according to the minister. The waterway is a key passage for global oil shipments. Two days earlier, on October 14, a drone struck the chemical tanker Yara J at Sulina Anchorage in Romania. Nine Indian seafarers were aboard that vessel.

Sonowal’s update provides reassurance about the Indian crew members following the two attacks. The available account does not identify who was responsible for either incident or give details of damage to the vessels and their subsequent movements.