New Delhi, Sept 13 (NVI) An Indian seafarer has gone missing after a commercial ship with 14 Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast today.
Thirteen Indian seafarers have been rescued, and a search for one is underway, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said tonight.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew on board, 13 Indians have been rescued so far. Search and rescue operations for the missing Indian national are continuing,” the MEA said in a statement.
The MEA said the Indian embassy is in touch with the Omani authorities and has been monitoring and “proactively coordinating” the search and rescue operation.
The ministry called for ensuring the safe transit of ships through the region, which has been plagued by several conflicts.
“We reiterate our call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that the free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” it added.
This is the latest among a series of attacks on commercial vessels with Indian crew on board in the West Asia region over the last few months.
A number of Indians have been killed in these attacks. (NVI)
