Oman has coordinated the evacuation of 12 injured crew members from the On Peace, a commercial tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 11 of the 12 injured sailors are Indian nationals. The crew members were brought ashore for emergency medical treatment following the attack on the vessel.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean. Approximately one-third of all globally traded crude oil flows through this narrow waterway, making it vital to global energy security. The strait is roughly 55 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and has been the site of multiple maritime incidents in recent months, raising concerns among shipping companies and insurers about vessel safety.
Incidents involving Indian crew members are particularly significant because tens of thousands of Indian seafarers work on international commercial vessels. These workers form a critical part of global maritime labor, but face heightened risks when operating in disputed or volatile regions. The evacuation of 11 Indian nationals represents both a successful emergency response and evidence of the real dangers these workers encounter while performing their jobs.
The attack on the On Peace adds to a broader pattern of maritime incidents in the region. Multiple commercial vessels have reported attacks, near-misses, or security threats in recent months, creating operational challenges for shipping companies and affecting global trade. The uncertainty surrounding vessel safety has led to increased insurance premiums and route diversions, which add to shipping costs and delay deliveries.
Oman’s role in coordinating the evacuation demonstrates regional cooperation during maritime emergencies. Despite broader geopolitical tensions in the area, countries sometimes work together to ensure crew safety when attacks occur. The specific circumstances of the attack on the On Peace, including the timing, method, and responsibility, have not been fully detailed in initial reports.
For Indian seafarers, this incident reinforces the occupational hazards they face working in international maritime trade. While seafaring has long been considered a high-risk profession, conditions in certain regions have become notably more dangerous in recent years. The evacuation process itself often takes time, leaving injured crew members vulnerable and dependent on swift regional coordination.
