Drone Strike Hits LPG Tanker Near Hormuz; All Crew Safe
On Sunday, September 21, 2026, the M.T. Al Maryah, a Liberia-flagged LPG tanker, was struck by a drone while navigating eastbound outside the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has sparked renewed security concerns in the region, though immediate casualties were avoided.
Crew and Vessel Status
All 19 crew members on board, including 9 Indian nationals, have been confirmed safe following the strike. Despite the impact, the vessel sustained no major damage. The tanker's main engine and electrical systems remain fully functional, and the ship has since been safely anchored at Khor Fakkan on the eastern coast of the UAE.
Official reports have not yet identified the party responsible for the drone strike, nor has it been clarified if the incident was a deliberate attack or part of broader military operations in the area.
Heightened Monitoring in the Persian Gulf
Maritime authorities are currently maintaining a close watch on vessels in the Persian Gulf, specifically west of the Strait of Hormuz. There are currently 13 vessels of Indian interest in this zone, consisting of 6 Indian-flagged and 7 foreign-flagged ships, carrying a total of 145 Indian seafarers.
Potential Evacuation Plans
Authorities have identified nine vessels for potential evacuation, including seven fertilizer cargo carriers and two other ships. However, any evacuation efforts remain subject to individual vessel conditions, specific security assessments, and close coordination with ship operators.
Rising Regional Security Threats
This latest incident follows a series of security challenges involving merchant vessels with Indian crews. Earlier in September, ships such as the Riesco, Horizon 1, and Mersin Prosperity were also affected by regional incidents. The Directorate General (DG) of Shipping has previously issued advisories warning of asymmetric threats, including the use of drones and missiles.
Cumulative regional data highlights the severity of the situation:
- Incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels: 4
- Incidents involving foreign-flagged vessels with Indian crews: 58
- Confirmed deaths: 10
- Reported injuries: 12
- Presumed deaths: 1