24 Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Strikes in Hormuz and Romania
All 24 Indian seafarers aboard two commercial tankers struck in separate hostile maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea have been confirmed completely safe with no casualties or physical injuries, according to The CSR Journal. In the Persian Gulf corridor, crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian nationals, was struck by an incoming projectile while transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz on October 16. All 15 Indian crew members aboard the oil carrier escaped unharmed, with emergency damage control teams securing the vessel against catastrophic hull breach.
Under Operation Sankalp active since 2019, the Indian Navy deploys stealth frigates and destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf to ensure safe passage and provide a security blanket for Indian-flagged vessels.
Currently, 778 Indian seafarers are on board 28 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region, alongside 35 Indian-flagged vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters.
Drone Strike Inside NATO Maritime Waters and Sulina Anchorage
The Romanian anchorage attack marks an unprecedented security escalation, representing the first verified drone strike against a commercial vessel operating inside North Atlantic Treaty Organization sovereign waters. All nine Indian mariners serving aboard YARA J were safely evacuated without physical harm as port firefighting services contained localized deck damage. Romanian coast guard authorities launched immediate forensic investigations into the origin of the drone debris recovered from the chemical tanker. Indian diplomatic missions in Bucharest and Muscat established direct round-the-clock contact with local port administrations and ship management operators.
Series of Maritime Strikes Across Hormuz Choke Points
The latest incidents follow an alarming wave of hostile actions targeting merchant vessels manned by Indian crews across Middle Eastern waterways. On October 11, commercial tanker MT PETRO DOLPHIN, carrying 11 Indian seafarers, was subjected to an explosive drone assault while stationed at Sohar Anchorage off Oman. On the same day, Marshall Islands-flagged tanker M/T Valthera, manned by 11 Indian mariners, was struck by an unidentified projectile during coastal transit. Earlier on October 9, Panama-flagged crude tanker MT GEM NO. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals, sustained projectile damage during an offshore navigation run.
Ministry Interventions and Global Freedom of Navigation Demands
Minister Sonowal reaffirmed that safeguarding Indian seafarers constitutes an uncompromising national priority for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The ministry coordinates directly with global maritime tracking centres to track crew welfare and provide emergency consular support across affected sea corridors.
Minister Sonowal indicated that the government is closely monitoring both situations and maintaining communication with ship management companies to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members.