An oil tanker carrying 27 Indian crew members was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. The vessel, named MT LOUISE 1, was sailing under the Panama flag when it was targeted by two limpet mines attached to its lower section. According to a Reuters report, the mines were placed by a small boat. The explosions caused a fire in the engine room and temporarily disrupted the ship's operations. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of commercial vessels passing through this important shipping route.


All 27 Indian Crew Members Safe

The fire was brought under control by the crew members on board. No one was injured in the incident, and there was no oil spill in the sea. The tanker later resumed its journey. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the attack took place around 46 kilometres northeast of Khasab, a city in Oman. According to the report, this was the first successful limpet mine attack in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began in February.


How Limpet Mines Are Used

Limpet mines are explosive devices designed to be attached to the outer surface of ships. They can be placed on a vessel by people using small boats. According to Reuters, such mines were first used in this region in 2017, and similar attacks have been reported against oil tankers passing through the area. Greek maritime security company Marisks said these devices are relatively inexpensive and easily available. Their use offers attackers a low-cost way to target moving vessels.


Another Tanker Attacked a Day Earlier

The latest incident came just one day after another oil tanker, MT ARZANAH, was attacked in the same region. The Liberia-flagged vessel had two Indian nationals on board. The nature of the attack was different, with the ship reportedly being hit by an unidentified object. The two incidents have increased concerns over the security of ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for oil transportation.


Attacks Increase Amid US-Iran Conflict

Attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have increased since the conflict between the United States and Iran began in February. Iran has accused several ships of violating rules for passing through the route and has targeted vessels in the area. These incidents have also raised concerns about attempts to establish control over the strategic waterway and put pressure on the United States. The latest attack involving Indian crew members has added another layer of concern for maritime security.


Government Confirms Safety of Indian Sailors

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said all Indian sailors were safe and no one had suffered injuries. He added that the government was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with shipping companies. Officials are coordinating with the companies to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian crew members working on vessels in the region.