NEW DELHI, Jun 10: India on Wednesday strongly condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman in which three Indian crew members have gone missing, while 21 others were rescued.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the commercial vessel Settebello came under attack earlier in the day amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
“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 three Indians are reportedly missing,” the MEA said in a statement.
The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with local authorities involved in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
“The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the local authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” it said.
Expressing concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region, the MEA said the incidents were a direct consequence of the continuing conflict in West Asia.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” the statement said.
India reiterated its call for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
“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 MEA added.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British military organisation that monitors maritime activity in strategic international waterways, reported that the vessel had suffered one casualty and two crew members were missing.
According to UKMTO, local authorities indicated that the tanker had experienced a fire in its engine room.
India also stressed the need to safeguard international maritime routes and commercial shipping.
“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 keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest,” the MEA said.
The latest incident comes amid renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel. The escalation follows Israeli air strikes on western and central Iran after Tehran reportedly launched missiles towards northern Israel, raising concerns over the security of vital maritime trade routes in the region.
The attack on Settebello occurred just two days after another vessel carrying 24 Indian crew members reportedly came under attack while navigating waters linked to the ongoing regional conflict.
Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian sailors were continuing at the time of filing this report.
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