Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. Four crew members were injured in the incident, including one Indian national who sustained minor injuries.
New Delhi, November 11 — A Liberia-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying six Indian seafarers was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Wednesday.
The vessel was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai on November 10 when it was struck, according to the minister.
Four crew members sustained injuries in the incident, including one Indian national. The Indian seafarer suffered minor injuries and was safely taken ashore for further medical examination.
Five other Indian seafarers safe
Sonowal said the remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for.
The government is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the ship management company.
Authorities are focusing on ensuring the security, medical care and well-being of the Indian crew members following the incident.
Vessel was travelling towards Dubai
The incident involved MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, a Liberia-flagged VLCC, a category of large tanker generally used for transporting crude oil over long distances.
According to the information shared by the Shipping Minister, the vessel was transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai when the projectile struck it.
The source does not provide further details about the nature or origin of the projectile or identify who was responsible for the attack.
Government monitoring Indian crew
The presence of six Indian nationals on board has prompted the government to closely track developments.
Sonowal said authorities remain in continuous contact with the vessel’s management company to ensure support for the seafarers.
Of the six Indian crew members, one was among the four people injured, while the remaining five are safe.
The injured Indian seafarer has been moved ashore for additional medical examination.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the security of commercial shipping routes in the region. However, the information provided in the source does not give details about the extent of damage to the vessel or any impact on its onward journey.
