3 Indians missing, 21 rescued after attack on commercial vessel off Oman coast, MEA confirms | Today’s news
India’s foreign ministry on Wednesday condemned the attack on the commercial tanker Settebello off the coast of Oman. It confirmed that three Indian sailors remain missing, while 21 other Indian crew members have been successfully rescued amid the Iran crisis.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed concern over the continued attacks on shipping in the region, saying they were a result of the ongoing conflict. She called on all parties to immediately reduce tensions and seek a diplomatic solution through ongoing negotiations to restore peace and stability.
The ministry also stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure should cease and called for the early resumption of free and unrestricted navigation and trade on international waterways in accordance with international law.
“We condemn today’s attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman. Our embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating the ongoing search and rescue operation with the Omani authorities,” the ministry said.
What did the Indian Embassy in Muscat say?
The Indian embassy in Muscat also said it was aware of the vessel incident off the coast of Oman and was “closely monitoring” developments.
“We have learned of a vessel incident off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and are in close contact with local authorities. We will update soon,” it said.
Meanwhile, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information about an incident approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar, a coastal city in Oman located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.
“Local authorities have reported a tanker fire in their engine room and are assisting with the evacuation of the crew on site,” it said.
The vessel reported one death and two crew members missing, according to the report, which also said no environmental damage was detected.
24 Indians aboard Palau-flagged merchant tanker MT Marivex rescued
The incident comes a day after the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) announced that 24 Indian sailors aboard the Palau-flagged merchant tanker MT Marivex were rescued in a joint operation with Omani authorities following a reported “missile attack” on the vessel off the Omani coast, according to PTI.
According to the MEA, the tanker caught fire after it was hit during the attack off the coast of Oman, prompting a rescue operation. The vessel was hit by a US missile on Monday, leading to a fire.
“Our embassy contacted the Omani authorities for the rescue, who swung into action. We are grateful to the Omani government for their excellent support in rescuing the crew and ensuring their safety. Our mission continues to be in contact with the sailors,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
The latest development comes at a time of escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region, where the United States has launched airstrikes against Iran and Tehran has responded by firing missiles at Gulf countries.
