The Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker M/T Al Dasma, with 21 Indian seafarers aboard, was struck by an unknown projectile on 21 October 2026 while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all crew members are safe and that Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

What Happened

The strike hit the vessel while it was navigating one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. According to reports citing Times Kuwait, the projectile impact sparked a fire aboard the tanker, which was subsequently extinguished. The vessel was reported to have remained stationary in the aftermath, with no casualties among the crew.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) independently tracked the incident, placing it approximately 11 nautical miles west of Bukha, Oman.

What the Government Said

In a post on X, Minister Sonowal stated: 'On Oct 21, Kuwait-flagged oil product tanker M/T AL DASMA, carrying 21 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. All 21 of our Indian crew members, along with the rest of the crew are completely safe.'

He added: 'We are continuously monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with the ship management company to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our seafarers.'

A Recurring Pattern in the Gulf

This is the second such incident in less than a week involving Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. On 16 October, crude oil tanker MT ST 3, carrying 15 Indian seafarers, was similarly struck by a projectile in the same waterway. All Indian nationals aboard that vessel also escaped unharmed.

Notably, this string of attacks occurs against the backdrop of escalating tensions linked to the broader Middle East conflict, which has periodically spilled over into commercial shipping lanes in the Gulf region. The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil supply transits — has become an increasingly contested corridor.

India's Diplomatic Position

New Delhi has repeatedly and unequivocally condemned attacks on maritime navigation and merchant mariners. On multiple occasions, India has characterised all such assaults on commercial shipping as 'legally and morally indefensible', while emphasising the imperative of freedom of navigation and the 'safe and unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways.'

What to Watch

With two projectile strikes on vessels carrying Indian crew within six days, pressure is mounting on New Delhi to escalate diplomatic engagement with regional actors and multilateral maritime bodies. The identity of the party responsible for the strikes has not been confirmed in either incident. Authorities continue to monitor the M/T Al Dasma and remain in contact with the ship management company.