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Indian seafarers among crew of attacked Persian Gulf tanker

A Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier carrying six Indian seafarers came under attack in the Persian Gulf, with four crew members sustaining injuries including one Indian national. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident, noting the injured Indian crew member sustained only minor injuries and has been safely evacuated.

LSN India · 11 November 2026

Indian seafarers among crew of attacked Persian Gulf tanker

A very large crude carrier (VLCC) flying the Liberian flag was struck in an attack in the Persian Gulf, with six Indian seafarers serving among its crew complement. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal disclosed details of the incident, confirming that the vessel came under fire during the assault.

Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national who experienced minor injuries. The affected Indian seafarer was subsequently brought ashore safely, according to Sonowal's statement. Details regarding the nationalities of the other three injured crew members and the severity of their conditions were not immediately disclosed.

The incident marks the latest security challenge in the strategically vital Persian Gulf region, where maritime traffic remains vulnerable to various threats. Indian seafarers comprise a substantial portion of global merchant marine crews and frequently operate in high-risk waters, making such incidents a matter of concern for New Delhi.

The attack adds to growing concerns about vessel safety in the region and the risks faced by international maritime workers. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the vessel or provided details regarding the circumstances surrounding the assault.