Sri Vijaya Puram, November 3: Thirteen Indian crew members survived an attack near Oman’s Limah, while New Delhi demanded an end to strikes on commercial shipping and restoration of safe navigation.
New Delhi: The death of an Indian seafarer in an attack on a commercial vessel off Oman’s coast has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working in regional shipping routes, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemning the strike and calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial vessels.
The vessel, MSV AL JUSUFI, came under attack near Limah, Oman. Fourteen Indian nationals were aboard when the incident occurred, leaving one dead and 13 rescued. The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities to arrange the return of the survivors and the mortal remains of the deceased.
The ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and raised concerns over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region. It called for immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations to secure a diplomatic solution.
The MEA also stressed that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted, urging the restoration of free and uninterrupted navigation and trade through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The latest incident follows a series of attacks involving vessels carrying Indian seafarers, including an October 11 drone strike on the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at Sohar Anchorage in Oman.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the tanker was carrying 11 Indian crew members when it came under attack. Nine were rescued, while two remained missing. Local Coast Guard personnel were conducting search-and-rescue operations, with Indian authorities coordinating with their Omani counterparts to support efforts to locate the missing seafarers.
The Indian Embassy in Oman also confirmed that it was in continuous contact with the concerned authorities and monitoring the situation involving the tanker.
Earlier, on October 6, India had condemned an attack on MT On Peace off the Omani coast while the vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A projectile struck the vessel, injuring 12 crew members, including 11 Indians. The ship had 17 Indian nationals among its crew, according to the MEA.
The successive incidents have placed the safety of Indian seafarers in the region under renewed focus, with New Delhi maintaining that attacks on commercial shipping threaten civilian lives and disrupt freedom of navigation.
