A Strait of Hormuz tanker attack has left 12 seafarers injured and triggered an emergency rescue by Oman’s air force. The vessel, an LR2 tanker called On Peace, was struck by a projectile while moving through one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, in what appears to be the latest in a run of suspected Iranian attacks on commercial vessels.

What Happened to the On Peace

India and Oman have identified the ship as On Peace, a 115,000 deadweight tonne LR2 tanker built in 2021. It appears to be the unnamed vessel reported to the UK maritime monitoring body UKMTO after being hit on an outbound transit off the Musandam Peninsula on Monday.

There is a small discrepancy over timing. UKMTO’s report points to Monday, while India and Oman said the attack took place on Tuesday.

The Rescue

Oman’s defence ministry said its air force carried out an emergency medical evacuation of 10 injured seafarers from the tanker. Video shows the helicopter landing directly on the ship’s wide deck, which allowed medics to move the crew out without having to hoist them. At least two people were carried off the helicopter on stretchers when it reached the hospital in Khasab.

India’s internal affairs ministry confirmed that 11 of the 12 injured were Indian nationals. It thanked Omani authorities for their quick response.

A Growing Pattern of Attacks

This was the 12th likely Iranian attack on shipping since last Wednesday, and by far the most damaging for a crew. Other vessels reportedly hit since the weekend include:

• Maran Gas Mystras
• Gas Vela
• Cameroon Prosperity
• Ghana Prosperity

Tracking site Live-AIS released video that purports to show a fire aboard Cameroon Prosperity after it was hit. That footage has not been independently verified here, and responsibility for the strikes has not been formally confirmed.

India Calls for Restraint

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end. It called for navigation and trade through international waterways to be restored as soon as possible.

What to Watch Next

• The condition of the injured crew, especially those still hospitalised
• Any official attribution of the attacks
• Whether more shipping companies pause Hormuz transits
• How insurance costs and freight rates respond

The Bottom Line

The frequency of the strikes, and now a large number of injured crew, show that the risk in Hormuz is moving from cargo and prices to human lives. With most of those hurt being Indian nationals, pressure for a diplomatic response is likely to grow.