The UAE Ministry of Defence has reported a deadly incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where two oil tankers operated by the United Arab Emirates were attacked, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to eight others. The vessels, named Mombasa and Al Bahyah, were hit by Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern passage of this crucial maritime route. Tragically, an Indian crew member on board the Mombasa lost their life, and among the injured, four individuals sustained severe wounds.
The UAE strongly condemned the assault, describing it as a grave breach of international law that endangers both regional security and the safety of maritime navigation. Both tankers suffered substantial damage from the strikes. In the aftermath, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre successfully rescued 18 crew members from Al Bahyah, though three individuals remain unaccounted for.
India’s government, acknowledging that 30 out of the 46 crew members across the two vessels were Indian nationals, has expressed its condemnation of the attack. It has also extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and is actively coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to those impacted.
This attack has exacerbated existing tensions in the region, contributing to a surge in global oil prices, which have reached a four-week high. The security of shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for the global oil supply, has become a mounting concern following this latest escalation.
