Indian Crew Member Killed as Iranian Missile Strike Hits UAE Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

An Indian crew member was killed and eight others were injured, including six Indians, after Iranian cruise missiles struck two UAE-flagged oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The attack, which targeted the tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, marks another major escalation in the ongoing conflict in West Asia and raises fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping through one of the world's busiest maritime routes.

Indian among those killed in Hormuz tanker attack

According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the two tankers were hit while sailing through the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.

One Indian crew member aboard the Mombasa died in the missile strike.

Among the eight injured crew members are:

• Six Indian nationals
• Two Ukrainian nationals

The ministry said four of the injured remain in critical condition.

UAE condemns Iranian missile attack

The strike also triggered fires aboard both vessels, causing material damage. Authorities confirmed that the fires have since been brought under control.

The UAE Ministry of Defence described the attack as a "blatant attack" and called it a serious violation of international law.

In its statement, the ministry said the UAE reserves the right to respond and will take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and commercial interests.

Strait of Hormuz tensions intensify

The latest incident comes after the United States launched fresh military strikes on Iran, with US President Donald Trump announcing the reinstatement of a blockade targeting Iran's activities around the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran subsequently launched retaliatory attacks targeting multiple locations across the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Jordan and the two UAE tankers.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil exports.

Indian casualties continue to rise

With the latest attack, the number of Indian nationals killed during the ongoing West Asia conflict has risen to 11.

Last month, three Indian sailors lost their lives in a US strike on the Palau-flagged tanker MT Settebello.

Several merchant vessels operating in the Gulf have come under attack as hostilities continue to threaten international shipping.

Key Highlights

• One Indian crew member was killed in an Iranian missile strike.
• Two UAE tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Eight crew members were injured, including six Indians.
• Four injured crew members are reported to be in critical condition.
• Fires broke out aboard both tankers but were later extinguished.
• The UAE condemned the attack as a violation of international law.
• Indian fatalities in the ongoing West Asia conflict have now risen to 11.

FAQs

How many Indians were affected in the Strait of Hormuz attack?

One Indian crew member was killed, while six other Indian nationals were injured in the missile strike.

Which tankers were attacked?

The UAE tankers Mombasa and Al Bahiyah were struck by Iranian cruise missiles.

Where did the attack take place?

The attack occurred in the southern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, within Omani territorial waters.

What did the UAE say about the attack?

The UAE condemned the strike as a blatant violation of international law and said it reserves the right to respond.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes and is critical to global energy supplies.