The Indian Embassy in Oman said it coordinated the rescue of five Indian nationals aboard the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III after the vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, the embassy stated that all five have been shifted ashore safely with no reported injuries. The embassy added its thanks to Omani authorities for their continued support and assistance during the operation that unfolded earlier on October 3.
Maritime security firm Marisks reported that the impact caused a fire on the tanker, which is owned, managed and operated by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company and was carrying crude oil en route to the port of Lome in Togo. The company operates very large crude carriers that routinely transit the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and beyond. Shipping data available online confirmed the vessel’s flag and destination at the time of the incident.
A maritime publication noted that the strike marked the second reported attack on a Kuwait Oil Tanker Company vessel in four days. The company’s tanker Al Funtas was struck by a suspected projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on September 28, according to the same reporting. Authorities have released no details on the origin of either projectile or the extent of damage sustained by the MT Kazimah III.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has maintained close oversight of seafarers operating in the region, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating on September 29 that more than 4,500 Indian nationals serve aboard various merchant ships in the Persian Gulf. A significant share of these crew members work on foreign-flagged vessels, exposing them to maritime security risks that have escalated in recent months. The latest rescue underscores the network of embassies and local partners activated to support Indian nationals when incidents occur.
Omani authorities facilitated the transfer of the five rescued seafarers to shore, where they received necessary assistance following the evacuation. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has not issued further updates on the condition of any remaining crew or the tanker’s operational status after the fire. Kuwaiti officials have yet to comment publicly on the incident involving the nationally flagged vessel.
