Kuwait-Flagged Tanker with 21 Indian Seafarers Hit by Unknown Projectile in Strait of Hormuz; All Crew Safe

The Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker M/T Al Dasma, carrying 21 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced. All crew members are safe.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21 (local time). The Union Minister said authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Taking to X, Sonowal said, "On Oct 21, Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker M/T AL DASMA, carrying 21 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. All 21 of our Indian crew members, along with the rest of the crew are completely safe."

"We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our seafarers," he added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also tracked the strike at 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman. According to Times Kuwait, the incident sparked a fire aboard the vessel, which was later extinguished. The report stated that the tanker remained stationary, and all crew members were reported safe.

The attack occurred amid a series of regional commercial shipping incidents in the Gulf. Earlier, on October 16, a crude oil tanker, MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. All Indian nationals were safe and no casualties were reported, Sonowal had said.

India has repeatedly condemned attacks on maritime navigation and commercial shipping amid the escalating Middle East conflict. New Delhi has reiterated on several occasions that all attacks on commercial shipping and merchant mariners are "legally and morally indefensible," while highlighting the need for freedom of navigation and "safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways."