An Indian-flagged oil tanker has safely departed the Fujairah Port after escaping a drone attack that targeted the port’s oil terminal. The vessel is currently on its way to India carrying a large shipment of crude oil, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Tanker Leaves Port Safely
The tanker Jag Laadki was loading crude oil when drones struck the port area on Saturday. Despite the attack, the vessel remained unharmed and sailed safely from Fujairah at 10:30 AM IST with around 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil bound for India.
Authorities confirmed that all Indian crew members onboard are safe, and no Indian sailors were injured during the incident.
LPG Carriers Also Heading to India
Two other Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
Together they are transporting 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG and are scheduled to reach:
- Mundra Port on March 16
- Kandla Port on March 17
Rising Tensions in the Gulf
The drone attack temporarily disrupted oil-loading operations at Fujairah. Iran has warned that major UAE ports — including Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port and Fujairah — could be targeted because they are allegedly being used by the United States in operations against Iran.
Indian Ships and Sailors Being Monitored
According to officials, 22 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 611 Indian seafarers are currently located west of the Strait of Hormuz. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring their movement with support from several government agencies.
Authorities have also facilitated the repatriation of 276 Indian sailors from the Gulf region so far, including 23 who returned since Saturday.
Evacuations from West Asia
Since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28, more than 194,000 Indian citizens have returned home from the region. Indian missions in affected countries continue to provide visa support, logistics, and travel assistance to stranded citizens.