Oil Tanker With 21 Indian Seafarers Struck By Unknown Projectile In Strait Of Hormuz

An oil product tanker, the M/T AL Dasma, was attacked by an unknown projectile 11 nautical miles west of Bukha in Oman near the southern side of the Hormuz Strait on October 21, 2026.

The Kuwait-flagged vessel immediately caught fire; however, specialised teams later brought the blaze under control, though the extent of damage caused to the tanker has not been ascertained yet.

The ship was carrying 21 Indian seafarers, and all have been safely evacuated, the Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced in a social media post on X.

He also said that the Indian government and relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with the ship management company to ensure the well-being of the seafarers.

According to sources, the tanker is currently stationary and is unable to sail to its destination. It might need to dock at a nearby port and undergo an inspection and repairs before it can be seaworthy again.

The incident comes as the latest in a series of attacks on commercial vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz.

In the beginning of October, the Panama-flagged MT On Peace, the MT Petro Dolphin and the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel MT Valthera had been targeted using drones or projectiles in the same area, which also risked the lives of Indian seafarers.

On October 16, 2026, crude oil tanker MT ST3 with 15 Indian crew members was hit by a projectile in Hormuz.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised concerns over the safety of its seafarers, while condemning the continuous ship attacks. It has called for immediate de-escalation to ensure freedom of navigation through international waterways and to uphold maritime law and security.

Iran has also issued a stern warning to shipping companies and operators regarding the use of unauthorised routes or taking US assistance to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Doing so could lead to the vessel being attacked by the Iranian navy.

On the other hand, the U.S. has continued to impose its blockade on Iranian Ports in the Gulf and reiterated that Hormuz is an international waterway open to all countries, contrary to the Iranian position.