Eleven Indian crew members have been injured after a Panama-flagged commercial vessel was hit by a projectile while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The vessel, MT On Peace, was carrying 19 crew members, including 17 Indian nationals. The MEA said that 12 crew members were injured in the incident, including 11 Indian nationals.
“We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace off the coast of Oman, where it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” the MEA said in a statement.
“Of the total crew of 19, 17 are Indian nationals. It is learnt that 12 crew members have been injured, including 11 Indian nationals,” it said.
The ministry said that repeated attacks on shipping in the region remained a “cause of deep concern” for India and called for an immediate end to such incidents.
“We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of such attacks in the interests of peace and stability in the region,” it said.
“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest,” it added.
The injured crew members were evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities and taken to Khasab, Oman, for medical treatment.
“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 said.
