NEW DELHI, June 10 (ANI) — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday condemned the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, stating that 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard have been rescued, while three Indians remain missing.
“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 MEA said in a statement.
Expressing concern over the broader security situation in the region, the ministry said, “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”
India reiterated its call for de-escalation, stating, “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 ministry added that “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 came after the Indian Embassy in Oman said it was closely monitoring the situation involving the vessel and remained in contact with local authorities.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a fire broke out aboard a tanker approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) northeast of Sohar, Oman.
According to UKMTO, the fire originated in the vessel’s engine room and resulted in one casualty, although no additional details were immediately available.
The incident follows another maritime attack earlier this week involving a Palau-flagged tanker from which 24 Indian crew members were rescued.
On Tuesday, India expressed gratitude to the Omani government for its assistance in rescuing all 24 Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex, which caught fire after being struck off the coast of Oman.
“Our embassy, for the rescue purpose, contacted the Omani authorities, who swung into action. We are grateful to the Omani government for its excellent support in rescuing the crew and ensuring their safety. Our mission continues to be in touch with the seafarers,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
During a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal said there had been communication between the crew of MT Marivex and the US Navy before the vessel was disabled off the coast of Oman.
“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. They all have been rescued and are safe,” Jaiswal said.
The MEA comments came a day after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that US forces had disabled MT Marivex in the Gulf of Oman on June 8.
According to CENTCOM, the Palau-flagged oil tanker was allegedly attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of the US-led blockade against Iran and was struck after the crew failed to comply with directions from US forces.
According to Al Jazeera, both US and Iranian forces have targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire took effect in April. (ANI)
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