Hormuz attack leaves 12 injured as tanker crews face $50k transit bribes
Indian nationals account for 11 of the 12 seafarers injured in the latest projectile strike on the Panama-flagged On.
A projectile struck the Panama-flagged tanker On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz on October 6, injuring 12 crew members. The attack marks the latest in a surge of incidents targeting commercial vessels in the critical waterway since the US-Iran conflict escalated in February.
Of the 19 crew members aboard the On Peace, 17 were Indian nationals, with 11 among the injured. Omani authorities evacuated the casualties to Khasab for medical treatment. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to strikes on merchant shipping and thanking Oman for its assistance in the evacuation.
The escalating crisis in the Strait: strait of hormuz
The On Peace, a 114,600-deadweight-ton tanker built in 2021 and owned by Dubai-based Onex, was carrying an unspecified cargo when the projectile hit. The extent of the damage remains unclear. The vessel was part of a three-ship order placed with Hyundai Samho in 2019, valued at $57 million.
This incident is not isolated. Since late February, 93 ships have been targeted in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in 24 seafarer deaths. The frequency of attacks has led to drastic measures: some vessels now transit with GPS systems disabled or sail under cover of darkness to reduce visibility. Despite these precautions, the risks remain high.
The National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) issued a statement following the attack, emphasizing that “seafarers must not become targets.” The union’s warning reflects growing concerns over the safety of crews navigating the region, where threats have become routine.
A route under siege
Recent weeks have seen a sharp increase in hostile activity. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported multiple projectile strikes, including engine-room hits, fires, and propulsion failures. On October 5, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ordered a tanker north of Khasab to reverse course or face targeting, a demand the vessel’s master complied with.
The economic impact of the crisis is stark. War-risk insurance premiums for individual tanker voyages have soared to as much as $20 million, while daily earnings for some tankers have approached $1.3 million. Crew wages have also surged, with captains reportedly offered up to $100,000 per month plus an additional $50,000 for each transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The On Peace attack underscores the deteriorating security situation in one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints. With no immediate resolution in sight, the risks for commercial shipping—and the crews who operate these vessels—continue to mount.
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