Indian Seafarer Injured in Persian Gulf Tanker Attack
An Indian crew member was injured after a super-tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile in the Persian Gulf.
An Indian crew member has sustained minor injuries after a massive super-tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf.
The incident occurred on November 10 involving the MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY (IMO 9723071), a Liberia-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The vessel, which is 336 meters long and has a deadweight capacity of nearly 300,000 metric tons, was en route from Al Ruwais to Dubai at the time of the strike.
Crew Safety and Official Response
The vessel was carrying a total of 24 crew members, six of whom are Indian nationals. Following the attack, one Indian seafarer sustained minor injuries and was taken ashore for a medical examination. The remaining five Indian crew members and 18 other personnel are reported to be safe and accounted for.
Indian Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the incident via X, stating that his ministry is closely monitoring the situation. He added that authorities are coordinating with the ship management company to ensure the continued security and medical care of the crew.
In a related development, ADNOC Logistics & Services, the ISM manager for the MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, confirmed that one of its vessels also sustained damage in a separate attack within UAE territorial waters in the Arabian Gulf on the afternoon of November 10.
Rising Maritime Risks and Casualties
The attack follows reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) regarding a separate tanker incident early on November 11, which is currently under investigation. These incidents highlight the growing instability in regional shipping lanes.
The human toll on Indian maritime workers has risen significantly due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, at least 23 Indian nationals, including 14 to 15 seafarers, have been killed since the conflict began in February 2026.
Recent maritime fatalities include:
- The death of Indian seafarer Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, who died when the MSV AL JUSUFI was struck off the coast of Oman on November 2-3.
- The ongoing disruption to shipping and energy infrastructure, which impacts the nearly 10 million Indians residing in GCC countries, including over 4 million living in the UAE.