Video Shows Ship With 21 Indian Sailors Coming Under Attack in Strait of Hormuz

A video showing a commercial vessel carrying 21 Indian sailors caught in an armed confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz has resurfaced, drawing fresh attention to the risks faced by merchant crews operating in the conflict-hit region. The footage, released by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, is from an incident that took place on April 22, 2026, and is not from a fresh attack. The vessel was carrying 22 crew members, including 21 Indian sailors, when it came under pressure from Iranian boats while sailing through the strategically important waterway.

According to reports, several boats linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps surrounded the vessel during the confrontation. The situation quickly turned tense, with the crew taking cover inside the ship. The video reportedly captures gunfire and what appears to be a rocket-propelled grenade being fired during the incident.

The Indian sailors were later reported to be safe. However, the release of the footage has renewed concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers who operate commercial ships through waters affected by military tensions. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A substantial volume of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes through the route, making any disruption there a major concern for international trade and energy markets.

The issue is particularly important for India because Indian nationals make up a significant portion of the global seafaring workforce. Thousands of Indian sailors work on merchant vessels travelling across international shipping routes, meaning any escalation in the Gulf can have a direct impact on their safety and livelihoods.

The April incident also came amid broader tensions involving Iran and other regional and international powers. Commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz have increasingly faced the possibility of being caught in military confrontations despite having no direct role in the conflicts. The resurfaced video therefore offers a glimpse into the dangers faced by merchant crews during such incidents. For the sailors on board the vessel, what began as a routine journey through a major international trade route suddenly became a fight for safety.

While the footage is attracting attention now, authorities and maritime organisations have stressed the importance of distinguishing it from any new incident. The video relates specifically to the April 22 confrontation, but its release has once again raised questions about how merchant ships and their crews can be better protected when navigating conflict-affected waters.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.