11 Indian crew injured after vessel hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz; India condemns attack
Eleven Indian crew members were among 12 sailors injured after a Panama-flagged commercial vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, prompting India to strongly condemn the attack.
The vessel, MT On Peace, was carrying 19 crew members, including 17 Indian nationals, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
"Of the total crew of 19, 17 are Indian nationals. It is learnt that 12 crew members have been injured, including 11 Indian nationals," the MEA said in a statement.
"We condemn the attack earlier today on a Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT On Peace off the coast of Oman, where it was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz," it said.
The injured sailors were evacuated with the assistance of Omani authorities and are receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman, the MEA said.
"We thank the Omani authorities for their valuable support," it added.
India said the continuing attacks on shipping in the region were a matter of "deep concern" and called for an immediate cessation of such incidents.
"The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest," the ministry said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key international maritime route for global energy and commercial shipping.
India reiterated that the safety of seafarers and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways were important for peace and stability in the region.
