NEW DELHI: An Indian oil tanker came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and two Indian-flagged vessels sent out distress signals, forcing several vessels to abort their transit and return.Audio from the captain of the Indian-flagged tanker, shared by an ABC News reporter, captured the moment the vessel tried to retreat amid gunfire and conflicting traffic orders.
“This is the motor tanker Sanmar Herald… you gave me permission to go. My name was second on your list. You are firing now. Let me go back!” the captain of the Indian-flagged tanker Sanmar Herald can be heard saying in audio widely circulated on social media.
what happened so far
Two Indian ships targetedAccording to maritime security input and tracking data, two Indian-flagged vessels – oil tanker Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav – were attacked by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats while they were trying to cross the strait.At least one vessel sustained minor damage, including broken windows. There were no reports of injuries.The convoy is blocked and the ship returnsThe incident hit a convoy of 14 vessels carrying crude oil, LPG and fertilizers to India. Thirteen ships were forced to stop or change course at various points in the Persian Gulf.Several vessels, including Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Jag Arnav, turned back near the choke point, while some vessels are currently drifting near Larak Island, waiting for permission.India protestsIndia summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fatali and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed “deep concern” over the incident and stressed the need to ensure the safety of commercial ships.New Delhi has urged Tehran to resume facilitating safe passage for ships heading to India. Iran said it would convey its concerns to its authorities.Also read: After Strait of Hormuz firing, MEA tells Iranian envoy to ‘resume facilitation of ships heading to India at the earliest’Mixed signal when passingAmid the chaos, an Indian-flagged oil tanker, the Desh Garima, successfully crossed the strait and is now heading towards India.However, ship tracking data showed chaotic navigation, with ships receiving conflicting signals about whether transit was allowed.Hormuz tensions disrupt global shippingIran has tightened control of the strait, citing a U.S. naval blockade and alleged violations of ceasefire conditions. Security agencies reported that several commercial ships, including a Greek oil tanker, also turned back after gunfire and radio warnings.The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas flows, and recent disruptions have added to uncertainty, with ships in the area idle, rerouted or awaiting permission.
