An Indian commercial vessel named Sanmar Herald came under attack while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, according to a senior Indian government source cited by Reuters on Saturday. The ship, which was carrying crude oil, was fired upon by two gunboats belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Despite the assault, all crew members and the vessel were reported safe.
The incident forced the Sanmar Herald and at least one other Indian ship, including a supertanker carrying about two million barrels of Iraqi oil, to alter their routes and return. The attack occurred shortly after Iran reimposed restrictions and sanctions on the vital waterway amid heightened tensions with the United States.
In response, New Delhi summoned Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fatali to lodge a strong protest and demanded assurances for the safety of Indian vessels navigating international sea routes.