A Liberia-flagged oil tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf on November 10, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.
The vessel, very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT Fujairah Energy, was travelling from Al Ruwais towards Dubai when the incident took place. The injured Indian seafarer sustained minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination, the minister said.
Five other Indian seafarers safe
Sonowal said the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers aboard the vessel, were safe and accounted for. The government is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the ship management company to coordinate security and medical support.
What happened to the vessel?
- Vessel: MT Fujairah Energy, a Liberia-flagged VLCC.
- Incident date: November 10, 2026.
- Route: Al Ruwais to Dubai through the Persian Gulf.
- Injuries: Four crew members, including one Indian national.
- Indian crew: Six aboard; five reported safe and one suffered minor injuries.
The incident highlights the risks faced by commercial shipping and seafarers in a strategically important energy and trade corridor. Authorities have not publicly identified the source of the projectile in the statements cited here.
