A container ship carrying 21 Indian sailors came under fire from Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, with newly released footage showing vessels linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) surrounding the ship during the incident.
The video, released by the Federation of Seafarers’ Associations of India (FSUI), reportedly captures the moments following the attack. The footage shows broken glass and belongings scattered inside the vessel, while Iranian fast boats can be seen moving around the ship.
All 21 Indian sailors on board reportedly survived the incident after taking shelter inside the vessel during the attack.
Video Shows Iranian Boats
According to the footage, several fast boats associated with the IRGC approached the container ship. One image appears to show an armed IRGC personnel on a fast boat carrying a rocket launcher.
The video also appears to capture a projectile being fired towards the ship. The vessel's windscreen was reportedly damaged during the incident, while objects inside the ship were thrown around following the attack.
The sailors took cover inside the vessel as the confrontation unfolded.
India Tightens Sailor Deployment
The incident comes against the backdrop of growing security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and other strategically important waterways in the Gulf region.
India had already taken steps to reduce risks to its maritime workforce. On July 16, the government stopped the fresh deployment of Indian sailors on ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf until further orders.
The restriction applies to new deployment of Indian seafarers and does not directly cover Indian sailors recruited outside the country by foreign shipping companies.
Indian authorities have also advised ship owners, ship-management companies and recruitment firms to exercise greater caution while operating in the region.
Indian Sailors Killed In Region
According to the report, at least 14 Indian sailors have been killed in attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28.
The latest footage has renewed concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers working on commercial vessels operating through waters affected by military tensions and attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route for global energy supplies and has remained particularly sensitive amid wider regional tensions.
Cargo Ship Hijacked Off Somalia
Separately, a cargo ship carrying six Indian nationals was reportedly hijacked off the Puntland coast of Somalia.
The Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF was carrying 10 people, including six Indians, a Turkish national, a Georgian national and two Serbian security personnel. The vessel was reportedly seized on August 17 near Maraya in Somalia's Eyl district before being taken towards the Nugaal coast.
Somali officials said eight pirates took control of the vessel. Turkish vessels subsequently reached the area and began monitoring the ship using helicopters and drones.
An airstrike later killed four people and injured two others after a small boat approached the vessel. However, the identity of those targeted and their connection with the hijacking remained unclear.
The current status of the vessel and all members of its crew was also not immediately clear.
Houthi Attack Kills Pakistani Sailors
Maritime security concerns have also affected other South Asian seafarers.
The bodies of two Pakistani sailors killed in a Houthi attack reached Karachi on Thursday. Six other Pakistani sailors who were injured in the incident also returned safely to Pakistan.
The attack took place on August 11 against the Tanzanian-flagged Tihama in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Three Pakistani sailors and one Indonesian sailor were reported killed.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the attack and stressed the need to ensure the safety of seafarers operating in dangerous maritime zones.
Rising Concern Over Maritime Safety
The incidents involving Indian, Pakistani and other international crews highlight the growing risks faced by commercial shipping personnel operating through conflict-affected and strategically important waterways.
For India, the security of its large seafaring workforce has become a particular concern as commercial vessels continue to navigate the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.
The release of the Hormuz attack footage is likely to add to calls for stronger security measures for Indian sailors and greater coordination between shipping companies and government agencies.
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