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New Delhi: The distress call from one of the Indian oil tankers that came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday has come after two India-flagged ships came under fire, forcing several ships to halt transit and turn back.Audio from the captain of the Indian-flagged tanker, shared by an ABC News reporter, captures the moment the ships tried to retreat amid gunfire and conflicting passage instructions.“This is the Motor Tanker Sanmar Herald… You cleared me to go. My name is second on your list. You are now firing. Let me go!” The captain of the India-flagged “Sanmar Herald” tanker can be heard saying in audio widely circulated on social media.

what has happened so far

Two Indian ships were targetedAccording to maritime security inputs and tracking data, two India-flagged ships, oil tanker Sanmar Herald and bulk carrier Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunmen while attempting to transit the strait.At least one ship suffered minor damage, including broken window glass. No injuries have been reported.Convoy disrupted, ships turned backA convoy of 14 India-bound ships carrying crude oil, LPG and fertilizers was hit in the incident. Thirteen ships were forced to stop or change course at various points in the Persian Gulf.Several ships, including Sanmar Herald, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Jag Arnav, returned near the chokepoint, while some are now drifting near Larak Island awaiting clearance.India lodged a protestIndia summoned Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri expressing “deep concern” over the incident and stressing the need to ensure the safety of merchant shipping.New Delhi urged Tehran to resume safe passage facilities for ships bound for India. Iran said it would convey its concerns to its officials.mixed signals on routeAmidst the disruption, an India-flagged tanker, Desh Garima, managed to cross the strait and is now heading towards India.However, ship tracking data showed confusion over navigation, with ships receiving conflicting signals on whether or not they were allowed to transit.Global shipping has been disrupted by the Hormuz tensionIran has tightened control over the strait, citing a US naval blockade and alleged violations of armistice terms. Security agencies said several commercial vessels, including Greek tankers, were also turning back following the firing and radio warnings.The Strait of Hormuz handles about a fifth of global oil and gas flows, and the latest disruption has added to the uncertainty, with ships across the region idling, changing course or awaiting evacuation.