Two India-bound liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions in West Asia and continued disruption to maritime traffic in the region.
According to officials, LPG tanker Symi crossed the strategic shipping corridor on May 13, while NV Sunshine safely transited the waterway on Thursday.
The latest crossings take the total number of Indian-linked vessels to have passed through the Strait since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict to 13.
Officials said Symi, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel carrying 19,965 tonnes of LPG cargo belonging to Indian Oil Corporation, is expected to reach Kandla in Gujarat on May 16.
NV Sunshine, a Vietnam-flagged vessel carrying 46,427 tonnes of LPG loaded at the UAE’s Ruwais refinery, is expected to arrive at New Mangalore on May 18.
The movement of the tankers came amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
Officials said at least 12 Indian vessels remain stranded in the Gulf region along with several foreign ships carrying India-bound cargo.
Also read: Ship seized off UAE coast, heading towards Iran
India-flagged vessel sinks after attack in Omani waters
Separately, Haji Ali, an India-flagged dhow travelling from Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE, sank after coming under attack in Omani waters early on Wednesday, officials said.
The attack triggered a fire onboard the mechanised sailing vessel, leading to its eventual sinking.
Mukesh Mangal said all 14 crew members onboard were rescued safely by the Omani Coast Guard and shifted to Dibba Port in Oman.
“All 14 crew members onboard were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and have reached Dibba Port in Oman. The crew is reported to be safe,” Mangal said during a media briefing.
He added that the Government of India was coordinating closely with authorities in Oman, Indian mission officials and maritime agencies to facilitate the crew’s return to India.
Officials said Haji Ali, a traditional wooden dhow, measured 57 metres in length and 14 metres in width.
Since early March, 13 India-linked vessels, including 12 LPG tankers and one crude oil tanker, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite persistent security concerns in the region.
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