‘You Gave Me Clearance…’: Captain’s Distress Call After Iran Fires At Indian Tanker In Hormuz

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 12:03 IST

Iran IRGC gunboats fire on two India flagged ships in Strait of Hormuz, disrupting a 14 vessel convoy, India summons Iranian envoy seeking assurances of safe passage

Two India-flagged vessels came under gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, despite having received clearance to pass. The incident forced several ships to halt or turn back, raising fresh concerns over safety in the region.

An audio message from the captain of the oil tanker Sanmar Herald, shared by an ABC News reporter, captured the moment of confusion. “This is motor tanker Sanmar Herald… You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back!" the captain said as the vessel attempted to retreat.

Two vessels targeted

According to maritime security inputs and tracking data, the oil tanker Sanmar Herald and the bulk carrier Jag Arnav were targeted by gunboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while crossing the strait.

At least one ship suffered minor damage, including a shattered window. No injuries have been reported.

Convoy disrupted mid-transit

The firing disrupted a convoy of 14 India-bound vessels carrying crude oil, LPG and fertilisers. Thirteen ships were forced to either stop or reverse course at different points in the Persian Gulf.

Several vessels, including Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Jag Arnav, turned back near the chokepoint. Some ships are now drifting near Larak Island while waiting for further clearance.

Amid the disruption, one tanker, Desh Garima, managed to cross the strait and is now on its way to India.

Confusion over navigation

Ship tracking data showed confusion during the passage, with vessels receiving conflicting signals on whether transit was permitted.

The UK Maritime Operations Centre said one tanker was approached by two IRGC gunboats without prior radio contact before being fired upon. In another nearby incident, a ship was hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to containers, though no fire or environmental harm was reported.

India takes up the matter with Iran

India responded swiftly by summoning Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed “deep concern" and stressed the need to ensure safe movement of merchant vessels.

India urged Iran to resume facilitating safe passage for ships headed towards Indian ports. The envoy assured that the concerns would be communicated to authorities in Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. The latest incident has added to uncertainty, with ships idling, rerouting or waiting for clearance.

This is the first reported case of Iranian forces firing on Indian-flagged or owned merchant vessels in the ongoing conflict, even as several Indian ships had crossed the route safely in recent weeks.

The episode comes amid continued tensions linked to ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran. Tehran has said it will maintain control over the strait until the conflict is fully resolved.

Sources said India had shared a list of 21 vessels with Iran in advance to ensure coordinated passage. However, despite this, one ship was fired upon and forced to turn back.

What Iran said?

Iran later described the incident as “not intentional" and blamed it on a communication gap. Indian officials have sought firm assurances that ships will be allowed safe passage before any future clearance is granted.

News world ‘You Gave Me Clearance…’: Captain’s Distress Call After Iran Fires At Indian Tanker In Hormuz

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