Tanker Crew Rescued
Five Indian Crew Members Rescued After Oil Tanker Strike in Strait of Hormuz
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The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received a third-party report that the tanker was hit by an unidentified projectile on October 1. Iran-linked Fars news agency separately claimed the vessel was hit about 8 km off Oman while carrying 2.5 million barrels; that characterization was attributed to Fars, not independently confirmed.
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Maritime security firm Marisks identified MT Kazimah III as owned, managed and operated by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and said the crew were evacuated after the impact caused a fire.
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The Kazimah III strike was reported as the second attack on a KOTC very large crude carrier in four days: the company’s tanker Al Funtas was struck by a suspected projectile while transiting the strait on September 28, with all crew reported safe.
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India’s external affairs ministry said more than 4,500 Indian seafarers were aboard commercial vessels operating in the area; 163 were on 12 active cargo ships, comprising six Indian-flagged and six foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo to India.
Five Indian crew members were rescued and brought safely ashore in Oman after a projectile struck the Kuwait-flagged tanker MT Kazimah III in the Strait of Hormuz on October 1. The Hindu reported that India's embassy in Oman coordinated the rescue with Omani authorities. The strike caused a fire on the vessel, which was carrying 2.5 million barrels of crude oil bound for Togo.
The incident marks the second attack on a Kuwait Oil Tanker Company vessel in four days, underscoring mounting risks for commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. India Today noted that more than 4,500 Indian seafarers are currently aboard commercial vessels operating in the region, with 163 serving on 12 active cargo ships.
Projectile Strike Causes Fire Aboard Tanker
UK Maritime Trade Operations received a third-party report that MT Kazimah III was hit by an unidentified projectile while transiting the strait. Rediff reported that the strike ignited a fire on deck. Maritime security firm Marisks confirmed the vessel is owned and operated by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company and that crew were evacuated immediately after impact.
Second Attack on Kuwaiti Tanker Fleet in Days
The Kazimah III strike represents an escalating threat to commercial shipping. FirstPost reported that this was the second projectile attack on a KOTC very large crude carrier in just four days. The company's tanker Al Funtas was struck on September 28 while crossing the same waters. All crew aboard that vessel were also reported safe.
Thousands of Indian Seafarers at Risk in Region
India's External Affairs Ministry confirmed that over 4,500 Indian seafarers work aboard commercial vessels in the Hormuz area. Daijiworld noted that 163 Indian crew members serve on 12 active cargo ships—six flying Indian flags and six flying foreign flags—carrying goods destined for India. The embassy's swift coordination with Omani authorities ensured all five Indian nationals from the Kazimah III reached safety without injury.
Mounting Security Concerns in Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, with roughly one-third of all seaborne oil passing through its narrow passage. Recent attacks on commercial tankers have heightened alarm among shipping companies and governments. The dual strikes on KOTC vessels demonstrate that even large, well-established operators face real danger when moving cargo through contested waters.
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