A Liberia-flagged tanker carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile while sailing through the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, leaving four crew members injured, including one Indian national. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident on Wednesday.

The tanker, MT Fujairah Energy, was travelling from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it came under attack. Sonowal said the remaining 18 crew members, including the five other Indian seafarers, were safe and accounted for.

The government is in contact with the ship management company to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured crew members. “We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security, medical care and wellbeing of our seafarers,” Sonowal wrote on X.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over repeated attacks on commercial vessels passing through the strategically important Persian Gulf.

Last month, another tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. A Panama-flagged vessel, MT Louise 1, was hit by limpet mines, triggering a fire onboard. The attack took place 25 nautical miles (46 km) northeast of Oman's Khasab. The government had confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel were safe.

Shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have faced repeated disruptions and attacks since the Iran-US war began in February this year.

According to data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, 37 ships were attacked in October alone. This marked the highest monthly total since the war began. Meanwhile, US forces continue to enforce a naval blockade of Iranian ports, adding to tensions in the region.

India has repeatedly stressed the importance of maritime security and called for greater attention to the safety of seafarers.