MT On Peace crew: 11 injured Indian seafarers recovering in Oman hospitals
Synopsis
Eleven Indian crew members injured when the commercial tanker MT On Peace was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz are now recovering in hospitals across Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat, the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed. The attack, condemned by New Delhi, spotlights the growing danger to Indian seafarers in one of the world’s busiest — and most volatile — maritime corridors.
Key Takeaways
The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed on 9 October 2026 that all injured crew of MT On Peace are recovering in hospitals in Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat .
12 crew members were injured in the attack, including 11 Indian nationals , out of a total crew of 19 — of whom 17 are Indian nationals .
The Panama-flagged tanker was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman.
The MEA condemned the attack and called for an immediate end to targeting of commercial shipping in the region.
Omani authorities were credited with swift evacuation and medical support for the injured seafarers.
The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed on Friday, 9 October 2026 that all injured Indian crew members aboard the Panama-flagged commercial tanker MT On Peace are recovering well in hospitals across Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat, following a projectile attack on the vessel while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 12 crew members, including 11 Indian nationals, were injured in the assault.
Embassy Update on Crew Condition
In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it “deeply appreciates the timely assistance of Omani authorities in evacuating and providing medical treatment” to the injured seafarers. The Embassy added that it remains “in close touch with family members, shipping companies, hospitals and Omani authorities,” and is closely monitoring the recovery of the injured crew.
Of the 19 total crew members aboard MT On Peace at the time of the attack, 17 are Indian nationals, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Attack: What Happened
The vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. Omani authorities swiftly assisted in the evacuation of the injured crew members, who were transported to medical facilities in Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat for treatment. India formally condemned the attack on Tuesday, with the MEA identifying the vessel by its IMO number 9893204.
The MEA thanked Oman for its “valuable support” in facilitating rapid evacuation and medical care for the injured Indian seafarers.
India’s Position on Regional Shipping Attacks
New Delhi has characterised the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region as a “cause of deep concern for India.” The MEA reiterated its call for an “immediate cessation” of such attacks, stressing that “the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.”
Notably, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant share of global oil trade passes. Attacks on commercial vessels in the broader region have escalated in recent months, raising alarm among major shipping nations, including India, which has a large diaspora of maritime workers employed on international vessels.
What Happens Next
The Indian Embassy has indicated it will continue to liaise with Omani health authorities and the crew’s families until all injured seafarers have fully recovered. The MEA’s repeated calls for de-escalation reflect India’s diplomatic emphasis on freedom of navigation and protection of its nationals working abroad. Any further developments in the investigation into who carried out the attack are expected to draw a formal response from New Delhi.
Point of View
But the attack on MT On Peace is not an isolated incident — it is the latest in a pattern of strikes on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz that have put Indian maritime workers at disproportionate risk, given how heavily Indian nationals staff international tanker fleets. India’s diplomatic language — condemnation without attribution — reflects a careful balancing act in a region where New Delhi has strategic energy and economic interests. The MEA’s repeated calls for ‘cessation’ without naming a perpetrator will draw scrutiny: meaningful pressure requires naming the actor. Until accountability is established, the safety of the tens of thousands of Indian seafarers transiting these waters remains structurally unaddressed.
NationPress
10 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the MT On Peace vessel?
The Panama-flagged commercial tanker MT On Peace was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. Of its 19 crew members, 17 are Indian nationals, and 12 crew — including 11 Indians — were injured in the attack.
How are the injured Indian crew members doing now?
According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, all injured Indian crew members of MT On Peace are recovering well in hospitals in Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat as of 9 October 2026. The Embassy confirmed it is closely monitoring their recovery.
What has India said about the attack on MT On Peace?
India formally condemned the attack on Tuesday through the Ministry of External Affairs, calling it a cause of deep concern and reiterating its demand for an immediate cessation of attacks on commercial shipping in the region. The MEA also called for the restoration of free navigation through international waterways.
Who helped rescue the crew of MT On Peace?
Omani authorities played a key role in evacuating the injured crew members from the vessel and arranging their medical treatment at hospitals in Khasab, Sohar, and Muscat. The Indian Embassy and MEA both formally thanked Oman for its swift assistance.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant in this context?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a substantial share of global oil trade. Attacks on commercial vessels in this corridor have been escalating, raising serious concerns for India, which has a large number of nationals employed as seafarers on international vessels.
