Video Shows IRGC Boats Surrounding Indian-Crewed Ship, Firing RPG In Strait Of Hormuz
Our take
The recent incident in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boats surrounded and fired an RPG at the container ship *Euphoria*, a vessel crewed by Indian sailors, represents a concerning escalation of maritime tensions in a strategically vital waterway. This action, occurring alongside attacks on other vessels, including the earlier [Bodies of 4 Seafarers Killed In Houthi Missile Attack In Red Sea Taken From Yemen To Saudi Arabia], underscores a pattern of assertive and, at times, aggressive behavior by Iranian forces in critical maritime chokepoints. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes, is a nexus of global energy security, and any disruption to its flow carries significant geopolitical and economic ramifications. The attack on the *Euphoria*, following on the heels of Iran’s demand for compensation after a Ukrainian drone strike killed a crew member aboard its own vessel in the Caspian Sea [Iran Demands Compensation After Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills 1 Crew Member On Its Ship in Caspian Sea], signals a willingness to engage in provocative actions, potentially destabilizing the region and impacting international trade routes.
The incident necessitates a calibrated assessment of the evolving security landscape. While the precise motivations behind the attack remain subject to interpretation, the timing, coinciding with heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts, suggests a deliberate effort to exert pressure and project power. The attack's nature – the use of an RPG – marks a significant departure from previous incidents, indicating a potential increase in the willingness to employ force. Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical complexities, including the shifting dynamics of U.S. involvement in the region and the recent statements regarding no planned US-Iran talks [Trump Says No US-Iran Talks Planned Amid Strait Of Hormuz Standoff], create a volatile environment where miscalculation and escalation are serious risks. The international community’s response will be crucial in de-escalating the situation and preventing further incidents that could disrupt global trade and energy supplies. The broader implications extend beyond the immediate impact on maritime safety; they highlight the fragility of international norms governing freedom of navigation and the potential for conflict in strategically sensitive areas.
The integrated data ecosystem that monitors global maritime activity provides valuable, albeit sometimes reactive, insights into these events. Real-time tracking data, coupled with validated reports from various sources, allows for a more comprehensive understanding of vessel movements and potential threats. However, the effectiveness of these systems hinges on the timely dissemination of information and the ability to accurately calibrate risk assessments. Longitudinal data analysis, tracking patterns of Iranian naval activity over time, can reveal trends and predict potential hotspots, enabling proactive measures to mitigate risks. The use of empirical evidence, such as satellite imagery and radar data, is essential for verifying claims and establishing a clear understanding of the events as they unfold. Moving forward, enhanced collaboration between nations and the sharing of validated ocean intelligence will be crucial for ensuring maritime security and preventing future incidents.
Ultimately, the attack on the *Euphoria* serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities of global maritime trade and the persistent risk of conflict in strategically vital waterways. The question remains: will this incident prompt a reassessment of security protocols and a renewed commitment to diplomatic solutions, or will it contribute to a further escalation of tensions, potentially jeopardizing the stability of the region and the global economy? A sustained, data-driven approach, focused on both reactive response and proactive risk mitigation, will be essential to navigate this increasingly complex and uncertain maritime environment.
A seafarers’ union has released video of an April 22 incident in which it says an Indian-crewed vessel was attacked by boats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said the vessel had 22 crew members, including 21 Indians. According to the union, several small boats surrounded the ship, an RPG was fired and crew members took shelter inside the vessel.
“These were not pirates. They were naval forces of the IRGC,” FSUI said in a post on X.
The footage shows at least seven speedboats moving around the cargo ship. It also shows broken glass, which the union said was caused by gunfire or other projectiles.
In another video, crew members can be seen gathered in an alleyway for safety. A photograph shows a man holding what FSUI identified as an RPG launcher aimed at the ship.
The vessel was identified in the source material as Euphoria, a Panama-flagged container ship. It was one of three vessels attacked by Iranian forces on April 22.
The crew were unharmed, according to the information provided. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified.
Indian crews face repeated risks
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said two of the three foreign-flagged vessels fired upon by Iranian forces that day had 22 Indian seafarers on board.
At least one Indian seafarer was also among the crew of a vessel taken into Iranian custody. The government said the seafarers were safe.
Indian sailors have also been affected by attacks from other sides of the conflict.
In June, three Indian sailors were killed when U.S. forces struck Indian-crewed commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. India later urged Washington to stop attacks on shipping and summoned a U.S. official over the strikes.
By July, reports said eight Indian seafarers had been killed in U.S. and Iranian attacks on vessels in and around the Strait. At least 10 civilian ships carrying Indian seafarers had reportedly been targeted since the conflict began.
The Ministry of External Affairs has said at least 16 Indians, including 10 seafarers, were killed in attacks between February and July.
The risks have also extended to other conflict zones. At least five Indian sailors were killed in the Black Sea last month, with four killed in a Russian attack and one in a Ukrainian attack, according to the supplied information.
The FSUI statement came shortly after Somali pirates hijacked a Somalia-bound vessel and took its crew, including six Indians, hostage.
On 22 April, in the Strait of Hormuz, a vessel carrying 22 crew members, of whom 21 were Indian, faced a deeply distressing situation.
These were not pirates.
They were naval forces of the IRGC.Videos show several small boats surrounding the vessel, the intensity of the… pic.twitter.com/5UgxtZETSd
— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) August 20, 2026
Hormuz shipping traffic drops sharply
Only five commodity vessels crossed the strait on a recent Saturday and none crossed on the following Sunday. Before the war, more than 130 ships crossed the waterway each day.
The drop in traffic has added to uncertainty for shipping companies and crews using the strategic waterway.
Iran has continued to restrict shipping through the strait, while the United States has maintained pressure on Tehran.
The crisis has also left more than 20,000 seafarers trapped in the Gulf, according to the supplied information. Some crews have described conditions aboard vessels as being like “in prison”.
One Indian tanker captain recently said he spent 75 days stranded in the Strait of Hormuz with 23 crew members and 110,000 tonnes of oil on board. He described the stress of staying in a conflict zone while missiles were flying overhead.
Union calls for stronger protection
FSUI says advisories and safety guidelines alone cannot adequately protect civilian crews working in conflict-affected waters.
The union has called for an assured naval presence to protect Indian seafarers and commercial ships.
FSUI had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the urgent deployment of the Indian Navy to protect Indian crews.
Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal also instructed the Director General Maritime Administration (DGMA) to take immediate steps with relevant agencies to improve the security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide assistance to rescued crew members.
Indian seafarers make up about 12.2% of the global seafaring workforce, according to the supplied information. That makes the safety of Indian crews a significant concern as commercial ships continue to operate on international routes.
References: news18, firstpost
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