Iranian Coast Guard Fires At Togo-Flagged Tanker With Indian Crew Near Oman
Iranian coast guard fires at Togo-flagged tanker near Oman, raising concerns for Indian sailors onboard.
An Iranian Coast Guard unit opened fire toward a Togo-flagged chemical tanker, MT Siron, at the Shinas Outer Port limits in Oman on April 25, during an incident in which individuals, including Indian sailors, reportedly boarded the vessel, according to India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The tanker was operating in proximity to other commercial ships when Iranian forces intervened and fired warning shots, raising fresh concerns over maritime safety in the region.
Officials stated that the situation is being closely monitored by Indian authorities in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indian diplomatic missions, and maritime stakeholders. Mandeep Singh Randhawa, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said during an inter-ministerial briefing that efforts are underway to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and maintain continuity of shipping operations amid rising tensions in West Asian waters.
Randhawa further noted that the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) control room has been actively engaged in real-time monitoring and communication. According to official figures, it has handled 7,780 calls and 16,650 emails so far, maintaining contact with 2,770 Indian-flagged or Indian-operated ships, of which 12 vessels have reported updates related to the ongoing situation.
Also Read: Iranian Gunboats Fire on Tanker Near Oman in Strait of Hormuz Incident: UK Body Reports
The latest incident comes against the backdrop of escalating maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. On April 22, Iranian forces reportedly attacked a vessel en route to India’s Mundra Port in Gujarat, shortly after a ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC-N) claimed responsibility for seizing and targeting vessels it identified as MSC-Francesca and Epaminodas, alleging they were operating without authorization.
Earlier, on April 18, Iran had also targeted two Indian-linked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that were reportedly cleared for passage. The incidents prompted India to lodge a formal and strong protest with Iranian authorities, citing concerns over repeated disruptions to commercial shipping lanes critical to energy and trade routes.
In response to the broader situation, international maritime monitoring agencies, including a British naval oversight body, confirmed gunfire incidents involving IRGC patrol boats and reported that at least one vessel was immobilized while another sustained damage. Despite the escalating developments, Indian officials have stated that the situation remains under close observation, with no immediate cause for panic among shipping operators.
Also Read: US-Sanctioned Tanker Diverts Iranian Crude From India To China Amid Payment Concerns
