Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 14: The government on Thursday confirmed that two vessels carrying LPG cargo for India have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are expected to reach Indian ports within the next few days amid heightened regional tensions.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier SYMI, carrying 19,965 metric tonnes of LPG cargo and staffed by 21 foreign crew members, crossed the strategic waterway on May 13. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Kandla port on May 16.
Another vessel, the Vietnam-flagged LPG carrier NV SUNSHINE, carrying 46,427 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 24 foreign crew members onboard, safely transited through the Strait of Hormuz on May 14 and is expected to reach New Mangalore on May 18.
The ministry also reported a separate maritime incident involving the Indian mechanised sailing vessel (MSV) HAJI ALI, which caught fire and later sank in Omani waters while travelling from Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE during the early hours of May 13.
All 14 crew members aboard the vessel were rescued safely by the Omani Coast Guard and transported to Dibba Port in Oman.
“The crew is reported to be safe, and necessary formalities with the local authorities have been completed,” the ministry stated.
The government added that Indian authorities remain in close coordination with the Sultanate of Oman, Indian Mission officials, and maritime agencies to monitor the situation.
Officials said that apart from the HAJI ALI incident, no other maritime emergencies involving Indian vessels or foreign ships carrying Indian seafarers have been reported in the last 72 hours.
“All other Indian seafarers currently reported in the region are safe,” the ministry noted.
The Directorate General of Shipping’s emergency control room has remained active and has so far handled over 9,266 calls and more than 20,592 emails since its activation. In the last three days alone, authorities received 377 calls and 834 emails related to maritime assistance and coordination.
The ministry further stated that more than 3,158 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated from different Gulf region locations so far, including 62 personnel brought back during the past 72 hours.
Meanwhile, port operations across India continue to function normally, with the government confirming that no congestion or disruptions have been reported at any major port.