Tanker with 27 Indians aboard hit by Limpet Mines in Hormuz, all safe: Sonowal

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers was hit by limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz on October 30, triggering a fire in its engine room and raising fresh concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region. All crew members escaped unharmed, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

The attack on MT LOUISE 1 reportedly involved a small craft approaching the tanker and attaching two limpet mines to its hull before leaving the area, Reuters reported, citing maritime security sources. The crew managed to extinguish the fire, and the vessel later resumed its journey. No environmental damage was reported.

According to reports, the incident marked the first known successful use of limpet mines in the strategic waterway since the US-Iran war began in February.

Two Tankers Carrying Indians Targeted

Sonowal confirmed that two vessels carrying Indian nationals had come under attack in the Strait of Hormuz within two days. The Liberia-flagged very large crude carrier (VLCC) MT ARZANAH, carrying two Indian nationals, was targeted by projectiles on October 29, followed by the attack on MT LOUISE 1 a day later.

In a post on X, the minister said, "On Oct 29, Liberia-flagged VLCC MT ARZANAH, carrying 2 Indian nationals, and on Oct 30, Panama-flagged crude oil tanker MT LOUISE 1, carrying 27 Indian seafarers, were targeted in projectile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.

"All 29 Indian seafarers across both vessels are completely safe with no injuries.

"We are continuously monitoring the situations & coordinating with the ship management companies to ensure the ongoing security and wellbeing of our crew."

The minister said the government was closely monitoring developments and coordinating with the ship management companies to safeguard Indian crew members.

Small Craft Reportedly Attached Explosives To Tanker

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British naval agency, said the incident involving the tanker occurred on Thursday about 25 nautical miles (46 km) north-east of Khasab in Oman. Its advisory did not identify the vessel.

However, three maritime security sources told Reuters that the vessel was MT LOUISE 1 and that limpet mines had been attached to its hull.

The explosives reportedly caused a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabled the tanker. The crew brought the fire under control, allowing the vessel to resume its journey.

The identity of those responsible for the attack remains unknown. Maritime sources also told Reuters that a separate attempt to use limpet mines in the region in September had failed because the devices did not detonate.

Fresh Concerns Over Security In Strait Of Hormuz

The attack has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of commercial vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important routes for oil exports.

Marisks, a Greece-based maritime risk management company, said the apparent ability of a small boat to approach a moving tanker, attach explosives and withdraw posed a serious security concern, particularly in the strait's congested shipping lanes.

The company said limpet mines had been introduced in the region in 2017 and were subsequently used against tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The explosives are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making them a cost-effective means of attacking vessels from small craft.

The latest incident adds to the security risks facing ships passing through the narrow waterway, where any disruption could have wider implications for global energy supplies and maritime trade.