5 Indians Rescued After Missile Strike on Tanker in Hormuz

By Thetripurapost Desk, Tel Aviv
Oct 03, 2026
169

Five Indian seafarers were safely brought ashore after the Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker MT Kazimah III was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman said.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian sailors working aboard commercial vessels operating through the Persian Gulf, amid heightened maritime security risks in the region.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it coordinated the rescue of all five Indian nationals aboard the tanker and confirmed that they were safely shifted ashore. The mission also thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance during the rescue operation.

MT Kazimah III Hit While Sailing Through Strait of Hormuz

The vessel involved in the incident was MT Kazimah III, a crude oil tanker sailing under the Kuwaiti flag.

According to reports, the tanker was struck while passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities have described the projectile involved in the incident as unidentified, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike is underway.

The tanker was reportedly travelling towards Lomé in Togo when the incident occurred. Reports also said the crew members were subsequently evacuated safely.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The waterway is particularly significant for international energy transportation and commercial shipping.

More Than 4,500 Indian Seafarers in Gulf Region

The latest tanker incident comes as India continues to monitor the safety of thousands of its citizens working aboard commercial vessels in the Gulf region.

Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said earlier that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are serving aboard various commercial ships operating in the region.

Jaiswal said six India-flagged commercial vessels were operating in the Persian Gulf, while another six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India were also in the area.

Together, these 12 vessels have around 163 Indian seafarers on board, according to the MEA spokesperson.

The Ministry of Shipping is monitoring vessel movements, while Indian diplomatic missions and local authorities are coordinating efforts to track the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

India Monitoring Safety of Indian Sailors

The government has been closely following developments affecting merchant shipping in the Gulf and other conflict-affected maritime corridors.

Indian embassies are coordinating with local authorities whenever necessary to provide assistance to Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels.

The latest rescue involving MT Kazimah III highlights the risks faced by seafarers operating in waters affected by military tensions and attacks on commercial shipping.

Commercial vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea and other strategic maritime routes have faced increasing security concerns in recent months.

Jaishankar Raises Concern Over Attacks on Commercial Shipping

India has also raised concerns about the security of commercial vessels and seafarers at the international level.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, expressed concern over the continuing conflict in the Gulf and its impact on maritime security.

India has stressed the need to protect civilian seafarers and maintain the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping and energy supplies.

The issue is particularly significant for India because thousands of Indian nationals are employed in the global maritime sector and many serve on vessels operating through strategically important international waterways.

Strait of Hormuz Tensions Add to Global Shipping Concerns

The latest incident involving MT Kazimah III comes against the backdrop of continuing military tensions involving the United States and Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus of the wider conflict because of its importance to global oil and gas transportation.

Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have consequences for international energy markets, freight movement and global trade.

Maritime authorities have urged vessels operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity while investigations into recent incidents continue.

Five Indian Sailors Safely Rescued

For the five Indian nationals aboard MT Kazimah III, the immediate outcome was a safe rescue.

The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed that all five were brought ashore safely and acknowledged the support provided by Omani authorities.

The incident, however, has once again placed the safety of Indian seafarers operating in conflict-affected waters under the spotlight as India continues to monitor developments across the Gulf region.

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