NEW DELHI: A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, triggering a fire in its engine room. The vessel, identified as MT LOUISE 1, was reportedly struck by two limpet mines attached to its hull by people approaching in a small boat.
The crew managed to bring the fire under control, and the vessel later resumed its journey. No injuries were reported.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 27 Indian seafarers aboard the tanker were safe. He said the government was monitoring the situation and coordinating with the ship management company.
The incident came a day after another tanker, Liberia-flagged MT ARZANAH, carrying two Indian nationals, was targeted in a separate attack in the same waterway. All 29 Indian seafarers aboard the two vessels were reported safe.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global oil transit route, making attacks on commercial vessels a concern for international shipping and energy markets.
With inputs from media reports.