‘You gave me clearance to go’: Indian vessel’s frantic distress call during Hormuz firing revealed | India News
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New Delhi: Distress calls from one of the Indian oil tankers hit by gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday emerged after two Indian-flagged ships, forcing several vessels to cancel transit and turn back.Audio from the Indian-flagged tanker’s captain, shared by an ABC News reporter, captures the moment the ships seek to retreat amid gunfire and conflicting passage orders.
“This is the motor tanker Sanmar Herald… You gave me the go-ahead. My name is second on your list. You’re shooting now. Let me go back!” The captain of the Indian-flagged tanker “Sanmar Herald” can be heard saying in the audio, which has gone viral on social media.
What has happened so far
Two Indian ships were targetedAccording to maritime security inputs and tracking data, two Indian-flagged vessels, the oil tanker Sanmar Herald and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboats while attempting to cross the strait.At least one ship sustained minor damage, including a broken window pane. No injuries were reported.Convoy disrupted, ships turn backThe incident hit a convoy of 14 India-bound ships carrying crude oil, LPG and fertilizers. Thirteen ships were forced to stop at various points in the Persian Gulf or to turn in the opposite direction.Several vessels, including Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Bivoor and Jag Arnav, have returned to the chokepoint, while some are now drifting near Larak Island awaiting clearance.India protestedIndia summoned Iranian ambassador Mohammad Fatali, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressed “deep concern” over the incident and stressed the need to ensure security of merchant shipping.New Delhi urged Tehran to resume safe passage facilities for India-bound vessels. Iran said it would report its concerns to its authorities.Also read: ‘Restart facilitation process for India-bound ships soon,’ MEA tells Iran ambassador after Hormuz shellingMixed signals in transitionAmidst the blockade, an Indian-flagged tanker, the Desh Garima, managed to cross the strait and is now on its way to India.However, ship tracking data shows confusion with navigation, with ships receiving conflicting signals as to whether transit is permitted.Hormuz tensions disrupt global shippingIran has tightened control over the strait, citing the US naval blockade and alleged violations of ceasefire terms. Security agencies said several commercial ships, including Greek tankers, also turned back after gunfire and radio warnings.The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of global oil and gas flows, and recent disruptions have added to the uncertainty, with ships idled, rerouted or awaiting clearance across the region.
