Five Indian nationals aboard the Kuwait-flagged crude oil tanker MT Kazimah III were safely brought ashore after the vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Embassy of India in Oman said. The Indian mission coordinated the rescue operation and confirmed that all five Indians were safely evacuated. The Embassy also thanked Omani authorities for their support and assistance during the operation.

MT Kazimah III was travelling through the strategic waterway when it was hit by an unidentified projectile. Maritime security reports said the vessel caught fire following the incident, while the crew was subsequently evacuated. The tanker, which operates under the Kuwaiti flag, was identified as a crude oil carrier en route to Lomé in Togo. The incident occurred amid a series of security incidents involving commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is an important route for international energy shipments. Recent incidents involving commercial vessels have increased concerns over the safety of ships and crews operating through the waterway. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency has advised vessels in the area to exercise caution following reports of attacks involving unidentified projectiles.

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The rescue comes as India continues to monitor the safety of its citizens working aboard commercial vessels in the region. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said earlier that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers were aboard commercial vessels operating in the area, including 163 Indian seafarers on 12 active cargo ships. These comprised six India-flagged vessels and six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India.

Indian authorities have said the Ministry of Shipping is monitoring vessel movements and coordinating with diplomatic missions and other stakeholders to assist Indian seafarers when required. The government has also been closely following maritime security developments across the Persian Gulf and other major shipping corridors. The safe evacuation of the five Indians from MT Kazimah III provides an immediate update on the welfare of Indian crew members amid the continuing risks to commercial shipping in the region.

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