On September 20, a Liberia-flagged LPG tanker, the M.T. Al Maryah, was struck by a drone while navigating eastward outside the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, the vessel sustained no significant damage, and both its power and main engine remained functional. All 19 crew members aboard, including nine Indian nationals, were reported safe, and the tanker is now securely anchored at Khor Fakkan.
In light of the incident, maritime authorities are actively monitoring commercial vessels and Indian seafarers in the region. Several ships have been identified for evacuation, including six Indian-flagged and seven foreign-flagged vessels of Indian interest located in the Persian Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 145 Indian seafarers are currently aboard these vessels, with nine identified for evacuation, primarily those carrying fertilizer and other cargoes.
The Directorate of Maritime Administration has reported four incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels and 58 involving foreign-flagged vessels with Indian crew members. These incidents have tragically resulted in ten confirmed fatalities and twelve injuries, with one additional death presumed. Despite the drone strike on the M.T. Al Maryah, there were no new safety or security incidents reported involving Indian vessels or seafarers on that day.
