New Delhi: An Indian-flagged crude tanker, the Desh Garima, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, even as two other vessels had to turn back after coming under gunfire. This incident has raised alarms in India about the safety of merchant shipping in those waters.
The shipping corporation behind the Desh Garima confirmed that it is carrying 31 Indian crew members. The tanker sailed through the strategic Strait on April 18 and should arrive in Mumbai by April 22. This marks the 10th Indian vessel to navigate the Strait since early March.
However, two other ships, the Samnar Herald and the Jag Arnav, faced firing incidents and chose to return to safety in the Persian Gulf. Fortunately, no crew members were harmed. Similarly, other Indian tankers, Desh Vaibhav and Desh Vibhor, also reversed course recently, increasing the total of Indian-flagged ships in the area to 14.
In response to these alarming events, India’s foreign secretary held a meeting with Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi. He expressed “deep concern” about the safety of merchant shipping and highlighted the need for Iran to ensure safe passage for India-bound vessels. During the discussion, he urged Iran to communicate India’s concerns to their authorities promptly.
The situation is being monitored closely, and all Indian seafarers are reported safe. The state-run Shipping Corporation of India owns the Desh Vaibhav and Desh Vibhor, while the other vessels are operated by different companies.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, there was an incident where a tanker was approached by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats, prompting the Indian ships to retreat. Shipping monitor TankerTrackers.com also indicated that the gunfire forced two Indian vessels, including a supertanker carrying Iraqi crude, to turn back.
The tension in the Strait of Hormuz has created challenges for commercial shipping. Since the outbreak of conflict in West Asia on February 28, numerous ships and thousands of seafarers have faced significant difficulties navigating through this crucial area. The Strait serves as a passage for about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, making it vital for global energy supply.
Due to these disruptions, energy prices have surged, creating fuel shortages in various regions and even resulting in fuel rationing in some countries. This situation demonstrates how geopolitical tensions can have far-reaching effects on global energy markets.
For those interested in more detailed insights, the findings from [TankerTrackers.com](https://www.tankertrackers.com) showcase the ongoing impacts of these maritime challenges.
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INDIAN TANKER, TWO VESSELS TURN BACK, STRAIT OF HORMUZ, INDIAN TANKER CLEARS HORMUZ AS TWO VESSELS TURN BACK AFTER FIRING
