Tanker struck by projectile in Strait of Hormuz, five Indian crew rescued

On October 2, 2026, the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a small fire and blackout but no casualties. The Indian Embassy in Oman, with Omani support, safely rescued and brought ashore five Indian crew members. The incident marks the fifth tanker attack in the waterway in recent days, highlighting rising maritime risks that have prompted India to monitor over 4,500 seafarers in the region and join an international coalition.

Details of the attack on MT Kazimah III

• ▪MT Kazimah III was en route to the port of Lomé in Togo when the vessel was struck by a projectile on October 2, 2026
• ▪The projectile strike on MT Kazimah III on October 2, 2026, occurred 4 nautical miles east of Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations
• ▪The Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker MT Kazimah III was struck by an unknown projectile on October 2, 2026, while transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz

Impact of the projectile strike

• ▪No casualties or environmental damage were reported following the projectile strike on MT Kazimah III on October 2, 2026
• ▪The projectile strike on MT Kazimah III on October 2, 2026, caused a small fire and a power blackout onboard, but the crew extinguished the fire and the vessel continued its transit

Rescue of Indian crew members

• ▪All five Indian nationals rescued from MT Kazimah III were safely shifted ashore after the tanker was struck by a projectile on October 2, 2026
• ▪The Indian Embassy in Oman expressed gratitude to Omani authorities for their support and assistance during the rescue of the five Indian seafarers aboard MT Kazimah III on October 2, 2026
• ▪The Indian Embassy in Oman coordinated the rescue of five Indian nationals who were aboard the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III when it was struck on October 2, 2026

Security situation in the Strait of Hormuz

• ▪The Strait of Hormuz remains a central conflict zone where Tehran has blocked commercial shipping, while Washington has responded with a counterblockade of Iranian ports
• ▪The projectile strike on MT Kazimah III on October 2, 2026, was the fifth attack on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations
• ▪US Navy efforts to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, along with alternative pipelines, have allowed Gulf countries to restore oil exports to nearly prewar levels

Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf

• ▪Randhir Jaiswal stated on September 29, 2026, that 163 Indian seafarers were aboard 12 active cargo ships in the Persian Gulf, including six India-flagged and six foreign-flagged vessels
• ▪Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on September 29, 2026, that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers were operating on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf region

India's diplomatic response to shipping attacks

• ▪Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns over attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly last week
• ▪India joined Liberia and 23 partner nations in an international coalition to defend commercial shipping routes and protect seafarers

Debatable claims

• ▪India's participation in the international maritime coalition compromises its strategic neutrality
• ▪Commercial shipping companies should suspend transits through the Strait of Hormuz