Qatari LNG Carrier with 4 Indians Hit by Suspected Drone Near Hormuz; All Crew Safe
A Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier carrying four Indian crew members was struck in a suspected drone attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, sources told ANI. The vessel was en route to Dahej in Gujarat.
Officials confirmed that all four Indian nationals on board are safe. The vessel, LNGC Al-Rekayyat, was transiting the Gulf of Oman when the incident occurred, according to sources.
“On 07.07.2026, while transiting in the Arabian Sea, LNGC AL REKAYYAT reportedly experienced a suspected drone attack. The incident was reported to DGCOMM by the RPSL. Initial information indicates that the vessel sustained damage, and there are no casualties or environmental damage reported. The vessel is proceeding to Dahej, India, from Ras Laffan, Qatar. Location of incident is Gulf of Oman (near the Strait of Hormuz). There are a total of 29 seafarers on board the vessel, out of which four are Indian nationals. It was informed that all crew members are safe. The vessel's engine room caught fire following the strike, resulting in heavy smoke,” sources said.
The fire in the engine room was brought under control, and no casualties or environmental harm have been reported. The vessel continues its voyage to Dahej.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and LNG exports. Qatar has accused Iran of carrying out the strike, calling it a violation of international law.
“The targeting of the Qatari vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' while transiting near the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an unacceptable attack on the security and safety of international maritime navigation, the security of global energy supplies, and a grave and explicit violation of international law, particularly the rules guaranteeing freedom of navigation and safe passage through international waterways. We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all practices that undermine regional security or threaten the safety of international maritime navigation, and refrain from endangering global energy supplies and the resources of the countries of the region in pursuit of narrow interests. We hold it fully legally responsible for this attack and for any resulting damages and consequences,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
Iran has not officially responded to the accusation. The incident is the latest in a series of reported attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest energy corridors. The strait sees about one-fifth of the global oil supply pass through it.
