11 Indian sailors hurt as projectile hits Panama-flagged vessel in Hormuz, says govt; crew evacuated to Oman.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday condemned the attack on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, calling for an immediate cessation of such targeting to promote peace and stability in the region.
The ship was carrying 19 crew members, including 17 Indian nationals. The MEA expressed concern over the continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region, calling it a “cause of deep concern for India."
In a statement, the MEA said the vessel, MT On Peace (IMO 9893204), was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman earlier in the day. Twelve crew members were injured in the incident, including 11 Indian nationals, the Ministry added.
“We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace (IMO 9893204) off the coast of Oman, where it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Of the total crew of 19, 17 are Indian nationals. It is learnt that 12 crew members have been injured, including 11 Indian nationals," the MEA said in a statement.
Following the attack, the injured crew members were evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and taken to Khasab, Oman, for medical treatment. The MEA thanked the Omani authorities for their support in facilitating the evacuation and providing assistance to the affected seafarers.
“With the assistance of Omani authorities, the injured crew have since been evacuated and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman. We thank the Omani authorities for their valuable support," it stated.
The Ministry described the repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region as a matter of serious concern for India. It called for an end to attacks targeting commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.
“We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region," the statement further read.
