- India,
- 06-Oct-2026 05:11 PM IST
In a significant security incident in the Middle East, a commercial vessel named MT On Peace was targeted in a projectile attack while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, which flies the flag of Panama, was positioned near the coast of Oman when the incident occurred on Tuesday. This attack has resulted in injuries to 12 crew members, a majority of whom are of Indian origin. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has officially confirmed the details of the incident, highlighting the growing risks to maritime security in this vital international waterway.
Details of the Vessel and Crew Composition
The commercial ship MT On Peace was carrying a total of 19 crew members at the time of the attack. According to the data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, the crew was predominantly Indian, with 17 out of the 19 members being Indian citizens. The projectile strike caused immediate damage and led to injuries among the personnel on board. Out of the 12 individuals who sustained injuries during the strike, 11 are Indian nationals. This high number of Indian casualties has prompted an immediate and serious response from the Indian government, which is closely monitoring the situation of its citizens abroad.
Swift Rescue and Medical Assistance in Oman
Following the attack, a coordinated rescue operation was launched to ensure the safety of the crew members. The Indian government worked in close collaboration with the Omani authorities and their coast guard forces to facilitate the evacuation. The injured crew members were successfully rescued from the vessel and transported to the city of Khasab in Oman. They've been admitted to local medical facilities in Khasab for necessary treatment. The Government of India has expressed its deep gratitude to the Omani administration for their prompt assistance and the critical role played by their rescue teams in saving the lives of the sailors during this crisis.
India Condemns the Attack on Commercial Shipping
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strong statement condemning the attack on the commercial vessel. India has expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of violence targeting merchant ships in the region, while the MEA emphasized that such attacks on commercial vessels, innocent seafarers, and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must come to an end immediately. The Indian government has called for an urgent cessation of such hostilities to ensure peace and stability in the region, while Also, India has demanded that navigation and trade through international waterways be normalized as soon as possible to prevent further disruptions to global commerce.
Concerns Over the Safety of Indian Seafarers
This isn't the first time India has raised its voice against maritime attacks near the coast of Oman. The government recalled a previous incident where another merchant ship, carrying 14 Indian nationals, was also targeted. India has consistently highlighted the vulnerability of Indian seafarers who play a crucial role in global trade. The safety and security of these individuals remain a top priority for the Indian administration, especially given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a primary transit point for international shipping.
PM Modi Proposal for Seafarers Emergency Support Network
The incident brings back focus to the proposal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit. Recognizing the risks faced by sailors in conflict zones, PM Modi had proposed the creation of a 'Seafarers Emergency Support Network'. He pointed out that seafarers are the backbone of global trade and their protection should be a global priority during times of crisis. The Prime Minister emphasized that when such emergencies arise, there must be a structured mechanism to provide immediate help and security to the crew members. This latest attack on MT On Peace underscores the urgency of implementing such international support systems to safeguard those working at sea.
