By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday, said that Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf, left 4 crew members injured, including one Indian national.

He informed that the remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were safe.

Sonowal in a post on social media platform X, stated that the vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers when it came under attack added that the injured Indian seafarer suffered minor injuries and was safely
taken ashore for further medical examination.

“On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for,” the Union Minister stated.

“We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers,” he added.

Ministry of External Affairs stated that 23 Indian nationals, including 15 Indian seafarers, lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while five Indian nationals died in attacks on commercial
shipping in the Black Sea region.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that one Indian national died after a ship that carried 14 Indian crew members came under attack.

He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals when the ship was attacked on Nov 2.