Five Indians Rescued After Tanker Hit in Strait of Hormuz
Five Indian nationals serving aboard the Kuwait-flagged crude tanker MT Kazimah III have been successfully rescued and moved ashore following a projectile strike in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Embassy of India in Muscat announced the rescue on October 2, 2026, expressing deep gratitude to the Omani authorities for their vital assistance in the operation. The vessel, which was reportedly bound for Lomé, Togo, was struck by an unidentified projectile while navigating the critical waterway.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Attack
While the safe rescue of the crew members has been confirmed, several details regarding the incident remain shrouded in uncertainty. Authorities have not yet identified the source of the projectile, nor have they released specific information regarding the extent of the damage to the tanker or any potential injuries sustained by the crew during the strike.
Adding to the regional tension, UK maritime monitors reported a separate incident involving an unknown projectile striking a crude tanker off the coast of Oman on October 3, 2026. Although officials have not officially linked this second event to the strike on the MT Kazimah III, it highlights the growing volatility of the area's shipping lanes.
A Deadly Pattern of Maritime Attacks
This latest incident follows a fatal attack on September 23, 2026, involving the Antigua-and-Barbuda-flagged vessel MV Cape Dao off the eastern coast of Oman. That strike resulted in the tragic death of wiper Suraj Yadav, a native of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
During that previous incident, the Royal Navy of Oman was required to evacuate 19 other Indian crew members to ensure their safety.
Protecting Indian Seafarers
Addressing the rising threat to commercial shipping, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar,