Tanker Attack in Strait of Hormuz Injures Dozen Seafarers

A Panama-flagged oil tanker, the On Peace (IMO 9893204), was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, injuring twelve of its 19 crew members. The vessel, an Aframax tanker, primarily carried Indian nationals, with eleven of the injured being from India. The incident marks one of the most severe crew casualty events amid a recent surge in attacks on commercial shipping in the region.

Omani authorities assisted in evacuating the injured seafarers, who were taken to Khasab for medical treatment. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, calling for an immediate halt to such incidents. The ministry emphasized the growing risk to merchant crews and the need to restore safe navigation and commerce through international waterways.

The attack appears linked to a UKMTO warning issued on October 5, which reported an unidentified tanker struck by an unknown projectile. However, the connection has not been formally confirmed. Another UKMTO warning covered a separate attack involving an outbound oil tanker, though no casualties were reported in that incident.

The On Peace is also listed on Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority blacklist, which has threatened restrictions, including fines and detention, for vessels violating transit protocols. The recent escalation includes multiple attacks on crude oil and LPG tankers, highlighting the heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.