Indian-flagged tanker sails away from Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

One of the 28 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict has sailed away safely. Authorities said the tanker Jag Prakash has departed the eastern side of the strait and is headed to Tanzania

New Delhi: One of the 28 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing hostilities in the region has since sailed away safely, a senior official said.

The Indian-flagged oil tanker Jag Prakash, which is carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has set sail from the east of the Strait of Hormuz, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said at a media briefing.

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Hundreds of ships had been stranded in the narrow sea lane between Iran and Oman since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and Tehran targeted the region in retaliation.

Sinha said in all 28 Indian-flagged vessels were stuck, 24 on the west of the Strait of Hormuz and four on the east.

One of the four on the east, Jag Prakash, has now set sail, he said, adding that the vessel is carrying fuel for an African destination.

Ship tracking websites showed the vessel loading gasoline from Sohar port in Oman and heading to Tanga in Tanzania. It is due to reach Tanga on March 21.

“Three vessels remain stuck on the east side with 76 seafarers on board,” Sinha said.

The 24 Indian-flagged vessels stuck west of the Strait in the Persian Gulf have 668 sailors on board.

Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are working across merchant, harbour and offshore vessels in the wider Gulf region, he said, adding that DG Shipping continues coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian missions.

“All Indian vessels and crew are being actively monitored,” he said.

Since activation of the 24-hour control room, DG Shipping has handled over 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails and facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers.

DG Shipping has been issuing regular advisories, he said.

Indian seafarers and vessels have been advised to use the DG Shipping 24×7 helpline, follow safety advisories issued by authorities and Indian missions, report incidents promptly and conduct enhanced ship-shore security drills.

Sinha said port operations across India remain stable. SOPs have been issued for major ports and state maritime boards, prioritising berthing for vessels carrying LPG, a fuel that is running short in the country.

Facilitation measures include additional cargo storage, ad-hoc berthing, priority handling of perishable cargo, faster ‘Back to Town’ movement with Customs and enhanced bunkering support.

During the ongoing crisis, three Indian seafarer casualties have been reported and one seafarer remains missing. Four injured seafarers have been treated and discharged, and coordination is underway for the repatriation of mortal remains.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, he added.