Five Indian nationals were safely rescued after a Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker was struck by a projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman said on Friday. The vessel, identified as MT Kazimah III, was carrying crude oil and was reportedly travelling towards Lomé, the capital of Togo, when it came under attack. The Indian nationals were part of the tanker’s crew.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it coordinated the rescue operation with Omani authorities. All five Indians were evacuated from the vessel and brought safely ashore in Oman. The tanker reportedly caught fire after being hit, although the exact extent of the damage was not immediately clear. Maritime authorities said the crew was safe, while the source of the projectile and the identity of those responsible for the attack have not yet been established.
The incident occurred in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major international route for the transportation of crude oil and other energy products. The waterway has witnessed heightened security concerns amid escalating tensions in the region.
The rescue operation comes as India continues to monitor the safety of its citizens working aboard commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf and adjoining maritime routes. The Indian mission thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance in bringing the five seafarers safely to shore.