An oil tanker carrying 27 Indian sailors was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident, which involved the use of sticky mines, was reported on October 29 and caused a fire in the tanker’s engine room. According to maritime security sources, a small boat attached two mines to the hull of the tanker.
Safety of Indian Sailors
Subhanand Sonwal, the Indian shipping minister, announced that all Indian sailors involved in this incident are safe and unharmed. He also stated that two other Indian sailors who encountered problems in a separate attack on October 29 are also in good health.
This attack on the tanker "Louis 1", which flies the Panamanian flag, occurred about 25 nautical miles (46 kilometers) northeast of the island of Khasab in Oman. The fire resulting from this attack was quickly extinguished, and according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), there has been no environmental impact following the incident.
Increase in Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
This incident is considered the first successful use of sticky mines against a vessel in this waterway since the onset of the Iran-U.S. war last February. The identity of the perpetrators of this attack is still unknown. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical point for oil and gas transportation, has faced an increase in attacks on vessels, with these events occurring at the highest level since the beginning of the Iran war.
The tanker "Louis 1" had previously been attacked by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea due to its role in transporting Russian oil and its connection to a shadow fleet of tankers that some say operates under Moscow's management.
Recent attacks on vessels with Indian crews in the Strait of Hormuz have raised new concerns about maritime security in this sensitive region. The Indian government is following up on this matter and ensuring the safety of Indian sailors in international waters.
