An oil tanker carrying 27 Indians was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The name of this Panama-flagged ship is MT LOUISE 1. According to news agency Reuters, two limpet mines were placed on the bottom of the ship from a small boat. These are sea mines, which are stuck on the outside of the ship. An explosion in these mines caused a fire to break out in the ship’s engine room. Because of this, the ship’s operations were halted for some time.

However, the fire was brought under control by the staff present on the ship. No one was injured in the incident and no oil was spilled into the sea. After this the tanker resumed its journey. According to Britain’s maritime security agency UKMTO, the attack took place 46 km north-east of Khasab, Oman. This is the first successful attack with a limpet mine in the Strait of Hormuz since the war began in February.

First occurrence of use of limpet mines

Limpet mines were first used in the area in 2017, according to Reuters. Even after this, it was used several times to target oil tankers passing through this route. Greece’s maritime security company Merix said the mines are cheap and readily available. According to the company, placing such mines on a passing ship using small boats is a simpler, less expensive and more effective method.

Another tanker was also attacked a day ago.

A day before this incident, a large Liberian flagged oil tanker MT ARZANAH was also attacked. Two Indian nationals were on board the ship. He was attacked with an object. Attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz have increased since the conflict between the US and Iran began in February. Iran has targeted several ships for violating the rules of passage through this route. Through these attacks, it wants to show its control over this sea route and put pressure on America.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbanand Sonowal said that all Indian sailors were safe and no one was injured. He said the government is monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with shipping companies to ensure the safety and care of Indian workers.