A Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker, the DISHA, carrying 28 Indian crew members, was attacked in Iranian territorial waters. The Indian Embassy in Iran confirmed the incident and assured that all Indian crew members are safe. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with relevant authorities.
The vessel, DISHA, reported the attack near the Strait of Hormuz, as per audio recordings from a public VHF maritime radio channel. A US military operator warned the vessel for being “non-compliant” as it approached Iranian waters. The operator threatened to fire at the vessel’s engine room if it did not change course.
In a distress call, the vessel identified as Disha reported being attacked by unknown missiles and requested immediate assistance. The vessel, with 30 crew members on board, specified its location near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) had earlier advised against deploying Indian seafarers in the region due to security concerns.
The maritime regulator, through social media platform X, emphasized the need to protect Indian seafarers’ safety in light of ongoing attacks on merchant vessels in the conflict-affected region. The directive aimed to safeguard the welfare and security of Indian seafarers amidst the heightened security situation in the Gulf region.
