Indian cargo ship 'Haji Ali' sinks after drone strike near Hormuz

The Indian-flagged cargo vessel 'Haji Ali' has sunk after being hit by a drone strike off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The attack occurred early Wednesday morning, May 13, while the vessel was en route from Somalia to Sharjah port in the United Arab Emirates.

The ship caught fire following the attack and eventually sank in the sea. However, all 14 crew members were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and taken to Dibba port, according to Additional Secretary of India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal.

The survivors are safe and have completed necessary formalities with local authorities. In response to the incident, the Indian Navy has intensified patrols and surveillance in the Arabian Sea. Indian authorities are in close contact with the Omani government, the Indian embassy, and international maritime organisations.

The 'Haji Ali' was a traditional wooden dhow, approximately 57 metres long and 14 metres wide, registered at the Salaya port in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district. Such vessels have been used for centuries in Indian Ocean trade.

The identity of those responsible for the attack has not yet been confirmed. India's Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as 'unacceptable', stating that the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian crew members is highly concerning.

This marks the second such incident in a week. Earlier, another Indian-registered vessel, 'Al Faiz Noor Sulemani-1', had also sunk near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, two LPG tankers heading to India have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing tensions.