A Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker was hit by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz. 5 Indian sailors on board the ship were rescued safely. The Indian Embassy in Oman gave this information on Friday. The embassy carried out rescue operations with the help of Omani authorities. After this all the 5 Indian sailors were safely disembarked and taken ashore.

The Indian Embassy said on social media platform X that an oil tanker named MT Kazimah III was passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In the meantime, he was attacked with a projectile. The embassy launched an operation to safely rescue the 5 Indian nationals on board the ship. In the meantime, Omani officials helped. The Embassy thanked them for their cooperation.

11 Indians have died in Hormuz so far

However, the embassy did not say who attacked the ship. The method of attack and other related information have also not been disclosed. This tanker was carrying crude oil. It was supposed to reach the city of Lome in the West African country of Togo. More than 100 Indian sailors have been affected in the attacks in Hormuz since February. 11 Indian sailors have died in this attack.

More than 4,500 Indian sailors in the Gulf region

The incident comes at a time when India is monitoring the safety of Indian seafarers working in the Persian Gulf and surrounding sea areas. External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said this week that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are working on merchant ships operating in the region. About 163 Indian sailors are deployed on 12 cargo ships. This includes 6 Indian flag ships and 6 foreign flag ships. All these ships are carrying goods for India.

Jaiswal said the shipping ministry is monitoring the movement of these vessels and the safety of seafarers working on them. Indian Embassy and local authorities are also helping in this work. He said that the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers working abroad is India’s priority. Indian Embassy and other concerned agencies will assist them if required. The Ministry is continuously monitoring the situation so that immediate assistance can be provided to the sailors if required.