A Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier, M/T Al Mayeda, carrying six Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf on Friday, October 30, amid the conflict in West Asia, news agency ANI reported. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the entire crew of 25 members was safe.
Source: ANI via Devdiscourse
In a post on X on Saturday, Sonowal wrote: “On Oct 30, Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier M/T AL MAYEDA, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was targeted in a projectile attack in the Persian Gulf. All 6 Indian nationals, along with the entire 25-member crew, are completely safe. We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our seafarers.”
The Al Mayeda incident follows two tanker attacks a day earlier. On Friday, Sonowal had confirmed that all 29 Indian crew members aboard two tankers struck in separate incidents on October 29 and 30 remained unharmed, with no casualties reported. According to the ANI report, a Panama-flagged oil tanker, MT Louise 1, carrying 27 Indian seafarers, sustained damage from limpet mines inside the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday highlighted grave concerns regarding repeated attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasising the need to protect freedom of navigation.
Source: ANI via NewKerala
No further official update on the Al Mayeda's condition or its onward voyage had been issued when this report was filed. Awaaz Punjab will update this story as the Shipping Ministry or the Ministry of External Affairs releases more information.