Twenty-four Indian seafarers safe after two tankers are hit off Hormuz and in Romania
17 October 2026
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has said that Indian seafarers on two tankers struck in separate incidents are safe, with no casualties or injuries.
The crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 15 October 2026.
The chemical tanker YARA J, carrying nine Indian seafarers, was hit by a drone at Sulina Anchorage in Romania on 14 October 2026.
In all, 24 Indian seafarers were on board the two vessels.
The Minister said the government is monitoring both incidents and coordinating with ship management companies on crew safety.
India condemned attacks on maritime navigation and commercial shipping, and Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called for de-escalation at a Security Council debate on the Middle East.
In plain words
Strait of Hormuz Strait of Hormuz — The narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which much of the world's oil moves.
Anchorage Anchorage — A designated area of water where ships wait at anchor before entering port.