Kamal Ghorui
Image used from reprsentative purposes
NEW DELHI: The distress call from one of the Indian oil tanker’s that came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday has surfaced after two India-flagged vessels, forcing multiple ships to abort transit and turn back.The audio from the captain of the India-flagged tanker, shared by ABC News reporter, captures the moment vessels sought to retreat amid gunfire and conflicting passage instructions.
“This is motor tanker Sanmar Herald… You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back!” the captain of the India-flagged “Sanmar Herald” tanker can be heard saying in the audio widely circulated on social media.
What has happened so far
Two Indian vessels targetedTwo India-flagged ships, oil tanker Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats while attempting to cross the strait, according to maritime security inputs and tracking data.At least one vessel sustained minor damage, including a shattered window pane. No injuries have been reported.Convoy disrupted, ships turn backThe incident hit a convoy of 14 India-bound vessels carrying crude oil, LPG and fertilisers. Thirteen ships were forced to halt or reverse course at different points in the Persian Gulf.Several vessels, including Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Jag Arnav, turned back near the chokepoint, while some are now drifting near Larak Island awaiting clearance.India lodges protestIndia summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveying “deep concern” over the incident and stressing the need to ensure safety of merchant shipping.New Delhi urged Tehran to resume facilitating safe passage for India-bound vessels. Iran said it would convey the concerns to its authorities.Also read: ‘Resume process of facilitating India-bound ships at earliest,’ MEA to Iran envoy after Hormuz firingMixed signals on passageAmid the disruption, one India-flagged tanker, Desh Garima, managed to cross the strait and is now sailing toward India.However, ship tracking data showed confusion over navigation, with vessels receiving conflicting signals on whether transit was permitted.Hormuz tensions disrupt global shippingIran has tightened control over the strait, citing a US naval blockade and alleged violations of ceasefire conditions. Security agencies reported multiple commercial vessels, including Greek tankers, also turning back after gunfire and radio warnings.The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of global oil and gas flows, and the latest disruption has added to uncertainty, with vessels idling, rerouting or awaiting clearance across the region.
