‘Let me turn back!’ Panic call from Indian oil tanker after gunfire near Strait of Hormuz

A tense encounter in the Strait of Hormuz triggered panic aboard an Indian oil tanker after gunfire erupted near two Indian-flagged vessels attempting to pass through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

According to NBC News, officials said no injuries were reported and neither vessel suffered damage. Yet the incident has once again exposed the growing dangers faced by commercial ships navigating the strategically vital waterway amid heightened regional tensions.

Distress call captures fear at sea

A distress message from one of the tankers revealed the confusion and fear onboard as the situation unfolded.

“You gave me clearance to go… you are firing now… let me turn back,” a crew member was heard saying in audio cited by NBC News.

Video footage reviewed by the network showed the vessel Sanmar Herald moving through the strait’s designated “Green Area”. During the passage, the tanker briefly switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS) while heading eastbound, before restoring the signal and turning back westbound.

Mystery over who opened fire

Maritime sources said the vessels encountered firing in a highly sensitive stretch of the strait, where naval deployments have increased sharply amid tensions involving Iran.

It remains unclear who fired the shots or whether the Indian vessels were directly targeted.

One tanker captain reportedly said two gunboats, believed to be associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), approached the vessels and fired nearby.

Iranian media, however, claimed warning shots were fired only to force ships to alter course.

Indian officials cited by NBC News said the tankers were likely caught in broader small-arms firing rather than being intentionally attacked.

“They were not specifically targeted. No damages or injuries have been reported,” officials said.

Rising pressure in a global oil chokepoint

The incident comes as Iran has tightened oversight of movement through the Strait of Hormuz while insisting the route remains open for commercial traffic under specific conditions.

At the same time, continued United States naval operations in the region have added to navigational complexity and risk for merchant shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a substantial share of global crude oil exports. Any disruption there can send shockwaves through international markets.