A Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker came under attack in Iranian waters, maritime security sources confirmed Tuesday. The vessel's Indian crew is safe, with no injuries reported.
Attack in Iranian Waters
The incident took place in waters under Iran's jurisdiction, though the exact location and timing have not been disclosed. The tanker, carrying liquefied petroleum gas, was targeted while transiting the area. Details of the attack—whether it involved small arms fire, explosives, or a projectile—remain unclear. Regional maritime authorities have not commented on the method used.
The tanker is registered in Mozambique, a flag-of-convenience state, and its ownership is not publicly tied to any major energy company. Vessels operating under such registries often pass through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global LPG shipments. The attack adds to a pattern of recent incidents near Iran's coastline, though no group has claimed responsibility.
Indian Crew Accounted For
The crew consists entirely of Indian nationals, according to shipping tracking data. All crew members are safe and accounted for. The Indian embassy in Tehran has been in contact with the vessel's operator, and consular assistance has been offered if needed. No evacuations or medical evacuations have been reported.
India's Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately issue a formal statement, but Indian maritime agencies are monitoring the situation. The crew's safety is the priority, said a source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the incident publicly.
Investigation Underway
Authorities in Iran are investigating the attack, along with the vessel's flag state and the Indian government. The tanker's operator has not released a statement. Investigators are working to determine the type of weapon used and the motive behind the strike. Given the location, piracy, regional tensions, or accidental targeting are all possibilities, but no conclusion has been reached.
The incident occurred days after a separate, unrelated attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. The timing has raised concerns among maritime security analysts, but the facts do not suggest a coordinated campaign. The vessel's LPG cargo—a flammable and high-value commodity—would be an unusual target for pirates, who typically seek ransom or theft of smaller items.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility. Regional naval forces have not announced any additional patrols or security measures in the area. The tanker remains in Iranian waters, and its next port of call has not been announced.
The unresolved question is why this particular vessel was targeted. With the crew safe and no cargo reported stolen, investigators are left combing through tracking logs and communications to find a link. A formal report from Iranian authorities is expected in the coming days.
