India Condemns Attack on Vessel off Oman Coast; Three Indians Missing
New Delhi — India on Wednesday strongly condemned an attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, saying three Indian crew members remained missing while 21 others had been rescued.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the vessel had 24 Indian crew members on board at the time of the attack.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said continuing attacks on shipping in the region are deeply concerning and linked them to the ongoing regional conflict.
“We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the statement added.
Earlier Wednesday, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it had learned of an incident involving a vessel off the Omani coast and was in contact with local authorities.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon,” the embassy wrote on X.
The incident came days after 24 Indian seafarers aboard MT Marivex, a Palau-flagged vessel, were rescued following a fire south of the Strait of Hormuz.
At a media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal thanked the Omani government for its support in that rescue operation.
“The ship MT Marivex was disabled off the coast of Oman. We have learned that it is a Palau-flagged vessel. We also understand there was some exchange of communication between the ship and the US Navy before the incident. There were 24 crew members on board the ship, all of them being Indian nationals. All 24 have been rescued, and they are safe. Our Embassy for this purpose, for the evacuation and rescue purpose, contacted the Omani authorities who swung into action,” Jaiswal said.
On Monday, India also expressed concern over renewed attacks in West Asia, saying the conflict had caused major human suffering and affected the global economy and energy supplies.
“This conflict has now lasted over 100 days and has already caused immense human suffering. It has also had a debilitating impact on the global economy and energy supplies. We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, ensure that civilians are not harmed and conclude ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region,” the ministry said. (Source: IANS)
