Thirteen Indian seafarers have been rescued, and a search for one is underway after the commercial ship they were manning came under attack off the Oman coast, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Sunday.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. The ministry identified the vessel as MT El Gaia and condemned the attack. The ministry called for ensuring the safe transit of ships through the region, which has been plagued by several conflicts. “We reiterate our call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the 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 the free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” it added.
Of the 14 Indian crew on board, 13 Indians have been rescued so far.
Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian national are continuing,” the MEA said in a statement. The MEA said the Indian embassy is in touch with the Omani authorities and has been monitoring and “proactively coordinating” the search and rescue operation.
At the BRICS Summit Business Forum in New Delhi earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for making sea routes and seafarers safe.
