India Condemns Attack On Commercial Vessel Off Oman Coast; 13 Indians Rescued, One Missing

India condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman on Sunday, adding that 13 Indian crew members have been rescued and search operations are underway for one Indian national currently missing.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew onboard, 13 Indians have been rescued so far. Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian national is continuing,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. We thank the Omani authorities for their support in rescuing our nationals,” it added.

India

also reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuit of dialogue and diplomacy against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, adding that the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region was unacceptable.

One Killed In Attack On Iranian Vessel

Earlier today, an Iranian cargo vessel was struck early off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions. According to Iranian media, one person was killed and four were wounded in the strike, with Qeshm governor blaming a “terrorist enemy” for Sunday’s attack.

“A merchant vessel was struck around 5:00 am (0130 GMT) this morning off the coasts of Hengam and Qeshm islands. One person was killed and three others were injured,” Qeshm city governor Amir Teymouri said, according to state TV.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor said later it had received reports of a vessel being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident comes a day before a meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman, which also borders the strait, over the blockaded route crucial for global oil and gas trade.

During the recently concluded BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of freedom of navigation and safety of seafarers in the region, proposing an emergency support network for their protection.

During his opening statement at the summit, the PM also stated that the mariners often lack support in times of crisis. He added that the proposed network would serve as a platform to bridge the gap between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions, further providing assistance to seafarers through distress alerts, medical aid, family notifications and evacuations.