Indian seafarer injured as projectile hits MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY in Persian Gulf
Synopsis
A VLCC carrying six Indian seafarers was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf on 10 November, injuring four crew members including one Indian national. The incident adds to a grim tally: 23 Indian nationals, including 15 seafarers, have now died in the West Asia conflict — a figure the MEA confirmed just days before this latest attack.
Key Takeaways
MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY , a Liberia-flagged VLCC, was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf on 10 November 2026 .
The vessel was carrying 6 Indian seafarers ; one Indian national sustained minor injuries and was evacuated ashore.
A total of 4 crew members were injured in the attack; the remaining 18 crew members are safe.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident and said the government is in contact with the ship management company.
The MEA has confirmed 23 Indian nationals — including 15 seafarers — have died in the ongoing West Asia conflict.
An additional 5 Indian nationals died in shipping attacks in the Black Sea region.
A Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC), MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, was struck by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf on 10 November 2026, injuring four crew members, including one Indian national. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident on Wednesday, noting that the vessel was carrying six Indian seafarers at the time of the attack.
What Happened
The VLCC was en route from Al Ruwais to Dubai when it came under attack. According to Sonowal, the injured Indian seafarer sustained minor injuries and was safely evacuated ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other five Indian seafarers, were reported safe and accounted for.
In a post on X, Sonowal stated: 'On Nov 10, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY, carrying 6 Indian seafarers, was hit by a projectile while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members sustained injuries in the attack, including one Indian national, who suffered minor injuries and has been safely taken ashore for further medical examination. The remaining 18 crew members, including the other 5 Indian seafarers, are safe and accounted for.'
Government Response
Sonowal said the government is closely monitoring the situation and remains in direct contact with the ship management company to ensure the security, medical care, and wellbeing of all Indian crew members aboard. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has not yet disclosed the identity of the ship management company.
Broader Toll on Indian Seafarers in Conflict Zones
This incident comes amid a sharp rise in casualties among Indian nationals in conflict-affected maritime zones. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently disclosed that 23 Indian nationals — including 15 Indian seafarers — have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Separately, five Indian nationals have died in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, confirmed that one Indian national died after a ship carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack. He thanked Omani authorities for rescuing 13 Indian nationals when their vessel was attacked on 2 November.
Jaiswal said: 'In so far as the number of people who have died, Indian nationals who have died, last time I told you there were 22 Indian nationals whom we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of those 22 Indian nationals, we have 14 Indian seafarers, and today we have lost one more, yesterday, that is, which means there are 23 Indian nationals which we have lost in the conflict in West Asia. Out of these, 15 of them are Indian seafarers.'
Rising Threat to Commercial Shipping
Notably, the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters have seen a sustained pattern of projectile and drone attacks on commercial vessels over the past year, disrupting global crude oil transit and imperilling civilian maritime workers. India, with one of the world's largest seafarer workforces, faces disproportionate exposure to this risk. This latest incident underscores growing calls for enhanced naval escorts and diplomatic pressure to protect commercial shipping lanes critical to global energy supply.
The government has yet to attribute responsibility for the attack on MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY. Investigations by the ship's management company and relevant maritime authorities are reportedly under way.
Point of View
One of the largest globally, is bearing a disproportionate share of the human cost: 15 seafarers among 23 Indian fatalities in West Asia is a number that demands more than ministerial X posts. The government's posture — monitoring and contacting ship management companies — reflects the limits of diplomatic reach in an active conflict zone. As long-haul crude routes remain contested, the question of whether India can secure adequate protection or insurance frameworks for its maritime workers will only grow more urgent.
NationPress
11 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY in the Persian Gulf?
The Liberia-flagged VLCC MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY was struck by a projectile on 10 November 2026 while transiting the Persian Gulf from Al Ruwais to Dubai. Four crew members were injured, including one Indian national who suffered minor injuries and was evacuated ashore.
How many Indian seafarers were on board MT FUJAIRAH ENERGY?
Six Indian seafarers were aboard the vessel at the time of the attack. One sustained minor injuries and was taken ashore for medical examination; the remaining five were reported safe.
What is the total number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia conflict?
As of the MEA's latest briefing, 23 Indian nationals have died in the ongoing West Asia conflict, of whom 15 were Indian seafarers. Five additional Indian nationals died in shipping attacks in the Black Sea region.
What has the Indian government said about the attack?
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident via a post on X, stating the government is continuously monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the security and medical care of all Indian crew members.
Who rescued Indian nationals in an earlier Persian Gulf shipping attack?
Omani authorities rescued 13 Indian nationals when a ship carrying 14 Indian crew members came under attack on 2 November, according to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
