An audio recording reportedly from the Sanmar Herald, one of the two Indian flagged tankers that turned back in the Strait of Hormuz after being fired at, has emerged.
In the 30-second audio, A crew member is reportedly heard trying to communicate with the Iranian navy and questioning why they were fired at despite being given clearance.
The clip was shared by Tanker Trackers, a maritime intelligence firm that tracks shipments.
"Sepah Navy. Sepah Navy. This is a motor tanker, Sanmar Herald. You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back," a crew members is heard saying in the audio.
Audio reportedly from the Indian oil tanker fired on by Iranian Navy
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) April 18, 2026
“You gave me clearance to go. My name is second on your list. You are firing now. Let me turn back!” pic.twitter.com/iMeY7fzwkq
The authenticity of the video has not been verified.
Iranian state media had confirmed that the shots were fired near the Sanmar Herald to force them to turn back.
The tanker was carrying crude oil from Iraq to India. The second tanker, which also turned around, was identified as the Jag Arnav, which was travelling from Saudi Arabia's al Jubail, according to maritime tracker.
As per the latest information, the Sanmar Herald is located in the Persian Gulf, close to the UAE. As per a report by NBC News, the ship had travelled through the Strait of Green. At one point, it turned off its Automatic Identification system transmission while heading east toward the green area. It then quickly turned around to the west after turning the AIS back on.
Dr Mohammad Fathali, Tehran envoy, was summoned for a meeting at 6:30 pm after the Ministry of External Affairs lodged a strong protest with Iran over the matter. An MEA statement conveyed India's deep concern over the incident.
"Reiterating his concern at this serious incident of firing on merchant ships, the Foreign Secretary urged the Ambassador to convey India's views to the authorities in Iran and resume at the earliest the process of facilitating India-bound ships across the Strait," the MEA said.
On Saturday, an Iranian official said that the Strait of Hormuz would ot be reopened until the US lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
