Close call for Indian vessel: ‘Jag Laadki’ loading crude as UAE port attacked, sails out safely next day | India News
Ships are seen anchored near the port of Fujairah as smoke from a burning oil facility fills the Fujairah sky (AP Photo)
An Indian-flagged crude tanker had a close call while loading crude oil at the oil terminal at the UAE’s Fujairah port on Saturday. The ship got out safely the next day with everyone on board unharmed.The vessel Jag Ladki left Fujairah at 10.30 am IST with about 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil and is now bound for India, according to a government statement. Officials have confirmed that the vessel and all Indian sailors on board are safe.“On March 14, 2026, the Indian-flagged vessel Jag Ladki was loaded with crude oil at the Fujairah Single Point Mooring when the Fujairah Oil Terminal was attacked. The vessel departed Fujairah today (Sunday) at 1030 hours IST and was carrying around 80 tonnes of oil. For India,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a press release.“The ship and all Indian sailors on board are safe,” it added.Jag Ladki is the fourth Indian-flagged ship to emerge unscathed from the conflict-torn region. Its safe passage is considered significant as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected shipping and fuel supplies in the region.Earlier on Saturday, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – successfully crossed the war-torn Strait of Hormuz while carrying a combined cargo of around 92,712 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Shivalik is expected to reach Gujarat’s Mundra port on March 16, while Nanda Devi is scheduled to dock at Kandla port a day later.The two ships were among 24 ships stranded on the western side of the strait since hostilities began in the region. Four more ships were stranded to the east.One of these vessels, the Indian-flagged tanker Jag Prakash, crossed the strait on Friday after loading petrol from Oman’s Sohar port. It is currently en route to Tanga, Tanzania and expected to arrive there on Mar 21.Authorities said Indian ships and sailors operating in the region are safe, though the situation is being closely monitored. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged ships carrying 611 sailors remain in the western side of the Persian Gulf region.India is still heavily dependent on energy imports, sourcing about 88 percent of its crude oil, 50 percent of its natural gas and 60 percent of its LPG from foreign markets. More than half of India’s crude imports, including about 30 percent of gas and up to 90 percent of LPG, came from Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, before tensions escalated following the February 28 US-Israeli attack on Iran.The conflict has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. While India has partially offset the crude supply disruption by increasing purchases from countries including Russia, gas supply to industrial users has been curtailed and LPG availability to commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants has been reduced.The government said maritime authorities are in constant coordination with stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.“The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with shipowners, RPSL agencies and the Indian mission,” the update said.It added that since the activation of the DG Shipping Control Room, authorities have handled over 2,995 phone calls and 5,357 emails from seafarers, their families and other maritime stakeholders seeking information and assistance.So far, 276 Indian sailors have been safely repatriated from the Gulf region, including 23 in the last 24 hours.Officials said ports across India are closely monitoring ship movements and cargo handling as the maritime situation evolves, while the shipping ministry continues to coordinate with the ministry of external affairs, Indian missions and shipping agencies to ensure the safety of Indian crews and the continuity of maritime trade.
