New Delhi

Two India-bound LPG carriers have successfully crossed the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, while an India-flagged vessel sank after coming under attack in nearby Omani waters, officials said on Thursday.

According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, LPG tanker Symi transited the Strait on May 13, followed by NV Sunshine on Thursday, taking the total number of Indian-linked vessels that have navigated the sensitive shipping corridor since March to 13.

Officials said Symi, a Marshall Islands-flagged vessel carrying nearly 19,965 tonnes of LPG cargo for Indian Oil Corporation, is expected to reach Kandla Port on May 16.

NV Sunshine, a Vietnam-flagged tanker loaded with 46,427 tonnes of LPG from the UAE’s Ruwais refinery, is scheduled to arrive at New Mangalore Port on May 18. Officials confirmed that the cargo on both vessels belongs to Indian Oil Corporation.

Separately, an India-flagged mechanised sailing vessel named Haji Ali sank after being hit during its voyage from Somalia to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

Mukesh Mangal said the attack took place in Omani waters in the early hours of Wednesday, triggering a fire onboard the wooden vessel before it eventually sank.

All 14 crew members aboard Haji Ali were rescued safely by the Omani Coast Guard and brought to Dibba Port in Oman.

Indian authorities said the crew members are safe and are expected to be repatriated after completion of formalities with local authorities.

The government said it remains in close coordination with Omani authorities, the Indian diplomatic mission and maritime agencies as shipping disruptions continue across the Gulf region.

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Since early March, India-linked maritime traffic through Hormuz has remained under close monitoring as tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel continue to impact global energy supply routes. Officials said at least 12 Indian vessels, along with several foreign ships carrying India-bound cargo, remain stranded in Gulf waters.