India-Bound Oil Tanker Survives Gunfire Near Strait Of Hormuz, Reaches Odisha’s Paradip Port

Last Updated:July 02, 2026, 12:56 IST

The vessel is believed to have been carrying around 22 crew members, including the captain. All personnel remained safe during the voyage.

An India-bound oil tanker carrying nearly two million barrels of Iraqi crude oil safely reached Odisha’s Paradip Port after reportedly coming under gunfire while transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

The vessel, MT Sanmar Herald, was transporting Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy crude from Iraq when it reportedly encountered gunfire near Iranian waters amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

According to reports, the ship sustained shrapnel damage to its bridge during the incident.

To ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew, the tanker altered its route before continuing its voyage towards the Indian coast without any further reported security incidents.

After arriving off the Odisha coast, the vessel anchored about 22 kilometres offshore near Paradip Port, where it began discharging crude oil through the port’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility.

The Paradip Port Authority said the tanker maintained continuous coordination with the Indian Navy throughout its journey and successfully completed the voyage despite sustaining damage during its passage near the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel is believed to have been carrying around 22 crew members, including the captain. All personnel remained safe during the voyage, according to port authorities.

“Throughout the ordeal, the master and crew displayed exceptional professionalism, resilience and commitment to safety," the Paradip Port Authority said in a post on X, adding that the vessel resumed its voyage after the Strait of Hormuz reopened and reached Paradip safely.

Acknowledging the significance of their safe return, the Port Authority noted, “With the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the vessel successfully resumed her voyage and reached Paradip safely. Most importantly, all officers and crew members remained safe throughout the mission."

Officials from the port boarded the tanker after its arrival to felicitate the captain and crew for safely navigating one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors under challenging circumstances.

“On arrival, the Master and crew were warmly welcomed by representatives of Paradip Port Authority and SERPL, including the Harbour Master, with bouquets and mementoes in recognition of their courage and dedication," the port added.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes, handling a significant share of global seaborne crude oil exports.

About the Author

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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