4 wounded as projectile hits Liberia-flagged vessel in Gulf

Four crew members, including one Indian national, were injured when a projectile struck a Liberia-flagged vessel in the Gulf, officials said on Wednesday.

“On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile….,” Indian Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal wrote on US social media platform X.

Sonowal said the vessel was transiting to Dubai and four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national.

“The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, are safe,” he said.

Sonowal said India is “continuously monitoring the situation” and remains in close contact with the shipping company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of the seafarers.

Regional tensions have remained high since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israeli targets and US military facilities across the region.

The war has also severely disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

At least 22 Indian nationals have been killed since the war broke out in February.