LPG Tanker Carrying Nine Indians Hit By Drone Near Strait Of Hormuz

A Liberia-registered LPG carrier with nine Indian nationals among its crew came under a drone attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.

The vessel, identified as M.T. Al Maryah, sustained no major damage and later reached the safety of Khor Fakkan, according to maritime authorities.

There were 19 people aboard the tanker when the incident occurred. All crew members, including the nine Indian seafarers, are safe. The ship’s main engine and power systems were also reported to be functioning normally after the attack.

The incident took place as the tanker was travelling eastwards in waters outside the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel has since been anchored at Khor Fakkan.

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The latest incident adds to growing security concerns for commercial shipping in and around the Persian Gulf.

A maritime administration report said 145 Indian seafarers were currently aboard six Indian-flagged vessels and seven foreign-flagged vessels of Indian interest operating west of the Strait of Hormuz.

Authorities have also identified nine vessels of Indian interest in the area for possible evacuation. The vessels include seven carrying fertiliser cargo and two others.

The report said four incidents involving Indian-flagged ships and 58 incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian crew have been recorded so far.

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These incidents have collectively resulted in 10 confirmed deaths and 12 injuries, while one death remains presumed.

Despite the drone strike on M.T. Al Maryah, authorities reported no fresh operational safety or security incident involving Indian vessels or Indian seafarers on Sunday.

The tanker is currently secure at Khor Fakkan, with its crew accounted for and the vessel’s essential systems continuing to operate.