India on Sunday condemned the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said 13
of the 14 Indian crew members onboard have been rescued so far, while search and rescue operations continue for the one Indian national still missing. The Embassy of India in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities on the ongoing search and rescue effort. The MEA also thanked Omani authorities for their assistance in rescuing the Indian nationals. "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 are continuing. 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," the MEA said in a statement on Sunday. "We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest," the MEA added.
Earlier today, an Iranian cargo vessel was struck early off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. 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.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the strait, though it wasn't clear if this was referring to the same attack. The monitor said a fire had broken out and that local authorities were evacuating those on board.
Qeshm Island, about 14 miles (22 kilometres) from the port city of Bandar Abbas, is key to Iran asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz.
