Indian Crew Safe After Armed Assault on Mozambique-Flagged Tanker in Iranian Waters
Twenty-eight Indian nationals survived an attack on the LPG tanker DISHA within Iranian territory on July 24. This incident marks another escalation in maritime violence affecting Indian seafarers during the regional conflict.
Emergency Response Near Iranian Coast
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has confirmed the safety of 28 Indian sailors following an armed assault on the LPG tanker DISHA. The vessel, which sails under the Mozambican flag, was targeted while navigating Iranian territorial waters on Friday, July 24, 2026. Iranian Ambassador to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, noted that security forces responded to a distress call immediately after hostile forces engaged the ship.
Diplomatic officials stated they are maintaining active communication with local maritime authorities to monitor the vessel’s status. This incident reflects the heightened risks facing commercial shipping lanes as hostilities in West Asia continue to intensify.
A Pattern of Maritime Casualties
The security of Indian seafarers has become a pressing concern as multiple commercial vessels face targeted strikes. The current wave of violence traces back to a February 28 escalation initiated by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran. Since that date, 14 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the regional conflict.
Recent documented incidents include:
- Mid-July Attacks: On July 14, an Iranian strike on the tankers MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa killed one Indian national and left 10 others injured. New Delhi issued a formal condemnation following these events.
- Missing Personnel: A July 12 attack on the Cyprus-flagged GFS Galaxy resulted in one Indian crew member being reported missing.
- Oman Coast Incident: Last month, three Indian sailors died during a U.S. strike on the commercial tanker Settebello off the Omani coast.
Geopolitical Volatility and Indian Seafarers
The Indian government continues to track these developments as the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters turn into high-risk zones. While the DISHA crew escaped physical harm, the frequency of these engagements highlights the vulnerability of neutral transport vessels. The Indian Embassy remains the primary liaison for the 28 sailors as they coordinate with Iranian officials to ensure safe passage and security protocols for the remainder of their transit.
Source: The Hindu — News
