NEW DELHI: All 19 Indian seafarers on board a Liberia-flagged crude oil tanker were safe after the vessel was targeted in a projectile attack off Mina Saqr in the UAE on Wednesday, Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday.The tanker, MT DOMINICA PROSPERITY, was carrying 19 Indian nationals when it came under attack while drifting off Mina Saqr, Sonowal said in a post on X.“The entire 22-member crew was swiftly and safely evacuated by the UAE Coast Guard, and all 19 of our Indian nationals are completely safe with no injuries,” he said.The minister added that the government was in regular contact with the ship management company to ensure the crew’s safety and provide logistical support.“We remain in continuous contact with the ship management company to ensure their ongoing safety, welfare and logistical support,” Sonowal said.This is the latest in a series of incidents involving vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the region. On Wednesday, Sonowal said that all three Indian crew members aboard Saudi Arabia-flagged oil tanker NCC FAJR were safe after the vessel was involved in a possible attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on November 11.“All 3 Indian nationals, along with the entire crew, are safe,” he said, adding that the situation was being monitored and authorities were in contact with the ship management company.
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Earlier, on November 10, Liberia-flagged tanker MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, which was carrying six Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai through the Persian Gulf. Four crew members were injured, including one Indian national who suffered minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination.The remaining 18 crew members, including five other Indian seafarers, were safe, Sonowal had said.India has called for safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was in touch with concerned parties to prevent attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers.