Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways of India, announced on Thursday that all 19 Indian sailors aboard the MT DOMINICA PROSPERITY oil tanker, which was attacked near Mina Saqr, United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday while sailing under the Liberian flag, are safe.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
Sonowal noted in a social media post that the tanker was targeted while it was floating near Mina Saqr. He added: "All 22 crew members were quickly and safely evacuated by the UAE Coast Guard, and all 19 of our Indian nationals are completely safe and unharmed."
Read more: Attack on Liberian-flagged tanker with six Indian sailors in the Persian Gulf
The minister also emphasized that the Indian government is in constant contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety and well-being of the sailors. Sonowal added: "We are continuously in touch with the ship management company to ensure their safety, well-being, and logistical support."
Other Attacks and the Status of Indian Sailors
Sonowal had previously reported that three other Indian sailors along with all crew members of the NCC FAJR oil tanker, which is under the Saudi Arabian flag, are safe following a possible attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. He said: "On November 11, the NCC FAJR tanker, carrying three Indian sailors, was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz."
The Indian minister also confirmed that all three Indian sailors along with all crew members are secure and stated: "We are continuously monitoring the situation and are in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety and well-being of the sailors."
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying six Indian sailors was attacked while passing through the Persian Gulf, resulting in injuries to four crew members, including one Indian national. Sonowal stated that the MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY tanker was en route from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it was attacked. He explained: "On November 10, the Liberian tanker MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying six Indian sailors, was attacked while passing through the Persian Gulf. Four crew members were injured in this attack, one of whom was Indian and was safely transferred to shore."
The Indian minister also added that the other 18 crew members, including five more Indian sailors, are safe and available, stating: "We are continuously monitoring the situation and are in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety, medical care, and well-being of the sailors."
Regional Concerns and Diplomatic Communications
Amid increasing regional instability that poses a threat to key energy and trade points in West Asia, India has called for caution and adherence to international maritime laws to protect commercial vessels and Indian sailors passing through vital corridors.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed concern on Tuesday regarding threats to commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stating: "We continue to advocate for safe, free, and unobstructed navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and are in contact with all stakeholders to prevent attacks on civilian vessels and sailors, including Indian ships and Indian sailors."
The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as a global key point for energy transfer, through which about 20 percent of the world's oil passes. India is heavily reliant on this corridor for crude oil imports, and Indian sailors constitute approximately 10 to 12 percent of the global maritime workforce.
New Delhi is actively communicating with all stakeholders to ensure the protection of civilian shipping, sailors, and vessels flying the Indian flag.
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