By Saurabh Sharma
MUMBAI, April 18 (Reuters) – An Indian-flagged vessel carrying crude oil was on Saturday attacked while attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Indian government source.
The vessel has been identified as the Sanmar Herald, the source said, adding that the crew on board and the vessel were safe.
At least two merchant vessels said they were hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Reuters had reported earlier today.
India has summoned Iran’s ambassador to India over the same incident, the Indian government source said.
U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Friday Iran had agreed to open the strait, while Iranian officials said they wanted the U.S. to fully lift its blockade of Iranian tankers.
More than a dozen tankers, including three sanctioned vessels, passed through the Strait of Hormuz after a 50-day blockade was lifted on Friday, shipping data showed, before Iran reimposed restrictions on Saturday and fired at some vessels.
(Reporting by Saurabh Sharma and writing by Ashwin Manikandan, Editing by Louise Heavens)
