There is big news today about Indian ships. The Iranian navy stopped two Indian ships on April 18, 2026. This happened in a place called the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian boats reportedly used guns to fire near the ships. They wanted the Indian vessels to leave the area. This has made many people worried about safety at sea.
Today, April 18, 2026, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) fired upon two Indian-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The most famous vessel involved is the Sanmar Herald, a supertanker (VLCC). It is owned by an Indian company and was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil from Iraq.
Reports say Iranian gunboats approached the ship and opened fire without any warning. The crew was forced to turn the ship around and go back. Luckily, the Indian crew members are safe, and the ship was not destroyed. India has officially complained to the Iranian government about this dangerous attack.
What Happened During the Incident
Reports say that Iranian gunboats came close to the Indian ships. They started firing heavy guns toward them. This was very scary for the people on the ships.
The Indian ships had to change their path quickly. They turned around and went back the way they came. One of these ships was a very big oil tanker.
This large tanker was carrying a lot of oil from Iraq. It had about 2 million barrels of oil on board. This is a very valuable cargo for any country.
Are the Ships and Crew Safe
The good news is that no one was hurt. All the crew members on the Indian ships are safe. This is the most important part of the story.
The ships also did not get any major damage. Even though there was gunfire, the ships are still in good shape. They are now moving away from the danger zone.
India is not happy about what happened today. The Indian government has made a strong complaint to Iran. They also called the Iranian Ambassador to talk about it.
Why Did Iran Do This
There is a lot of tension between Iran and the United States right now. Iran had said before that they might close this water path. The Strait of Hormuz is very important for world trade.
Some reports say the ships were not the main target. They say Iran was just following new security rules. These rules are very strict because of the ongoing sea blockade.
Just a few days ago, people thought the path was open. But things changed quickly when the US said their blockade would stay. This confusion is causing many problems for ships.
What Happens Next for Shipping
This event shows that the sea is still not safe for all ships. Many companies are now afraid to send their vessels through this area. It can cause oil prices to go up globally.
India and Iran usually have a good relationship. This event is a big surprise because they are friendly countries. India wants to make sure its sailors stay safe during their work.
Everyone is watching to see if the path will open again soon. For now, it is a very tense situation. We hope that things get better and the sea becomes safe again.
FAQs
Were any Indian sailors hurt?
No, all crew members are safe.
Did the ships sink?
No, the ships are safe and not damaged.
What was the big ship carrying?
It was carrying 2 million barrels of oil.
Where did this happen?
It happened in the Strait of Hormuz.
Why did the ships turn back?
The Iranian navy used gunfire to push them away.
