An Indian-flagged cargo vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman on Monday, said Union minister of shipping Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister added that an Indian seafarer had been killed, while the remaining 13 Indians were safe after the attack.
“The Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard," wrote Sonowal on X.
The minister added that one of the seafarers on board succumbed to his injuries. The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a native of Gujarat.
The latest death takes the number of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict to at least 23. India has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on vessels and called for collective efforts to ensure the safety of seafarers.
The minister added that the Indian embassy in Oman is in touch with local authorities to ensure assistance to the 13 survivors. The ministry is also working towards the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer.
Govt ‘deeply concerned’ over attacks
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region.
{{/usCountry}}In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region.
{{/usCountry}}“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. 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,” read a statement issued by the MEA on Tuesday.
The ministry also called for an end to targeting commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region and for “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.”
Since the war between the US, Israel and Iran broke out on February 28, the ministry of external affairs stated that at least 22 Indians have been killed in attacks on shipping vessels and tankers. Monday's attack takes this toll to 23.
Attack on Indian-flagged ships during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran are a rare occurrence.
Earlier in May, an Indian-owned vessel sunk in Omani waters after an unidentified aerial attack. This attack was also condemned by the ministry of external affairs as "unacceptable."
Recent attacks on ships with Indian crew
A Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers on October 30 was targeted with limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The mines caused an engine-room fire that was extinguished.
On October 11, two vessels with Indian crew onboard were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. 2 Indian seafarers were missing after the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin suffered a drone strike near Sohar, Oman. Meanwhile, Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with 11 Indian crew members on board.