Injuries Reported After Attack on Indian Crew in Persian Gulf
Incident Involving VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY
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New Delhi, Nov 11: On Wednesday, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, reported that the Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was hit by a projectile while navigating the Persian Gulf, resulting in injuries to four crew members, including one Indian.
According to a post by Sonowal on X, the vessel was transporting six Indian seafarers when it was attacked on Tuesday.
The injured Indian crew member sustained minor injuries and was safely evacuated for further medical assessment, while the other 18 crew members, which included five additional Indian seafarers, were unharmed.
"On November 10, the Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, with six Indian seafarers aboard, was struck by a projectile while traveling through the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members were injured in the incident, including one Indian national, who has been safely taken ashore for medical evaluation. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for," the Minister stated.
He further mentioned, "We are actively monitoring the situation and maintaining close communication with the ship management company to ensure the safety, medical care, and overall wellbeing of our seafarers."
Recently, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that 23 Indian nationals, including 15 seafarers, have tragically lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five Indian nationals were killed in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
During a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that one Indian national died when a ship carrying 14 Indian crew members was attacked. He expressed gratitude to Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals during the November 2 incident.
Regarding the fatalities among Indian nationals in the West Asia conflict, Jaiswal stated, "As of the last update, we had reported 22 Indian nationals who lost their lives in the West Asia conflict. Today, we have confirmed one more death, bringing the total to 23, including 15 Indian seafarers."