5 Indians rescued after Kuwait-flagged tanker struck in Strait of Hormuz

Five Indian nationals aboard a Kuwait-flagged tanker were safely shifted ashore after the vessel was hit by a projectile in the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, according to the Indian embassy in Oman.In a post on X on Friday (local time), India's Embassy in Muscat identified the tanker as MT Kazimah III."Earlier today, the Mission coordinated rescue of five Indian nationals on board the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III, struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz," the post read. It added, "All 5 Indian nationals have been shifted ashore safely. We thank the Omani authorities for their continued support and assistance."MERCHANT SHIPPING UNDER ATTACKAmid the various global conflicts currently affecting the Middle East, merchant shipping and seafarers are facing increased risks in several areas, including the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Bab-el-Mandeb and Black Sea. A significant number of Indian seafarers serve onboard both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged commercial ships operating in or transiting through the aforementioned regions, exposing them to associated maritime security risks.Earlier this week, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently serving aboard various merchant ships operating in the Persian Gulf, including 163 Indian nationals on 12 active cargo vessels.Last month, India used the UN General Assembly platform to raise concerns over the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers amid the ongoing conflict in the Gulf."This year, we are witnessing a conflict in the Gulf, one that is exacerbating an already difficult situation. We remain deeply concerned over continuing hostilities," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had said in his address to the General Debate at the high-level 81st session of the UN General Assembly.- Ends(With inputs from agencies)