New Delhi, June 10: At least 3 Indian seafarers are missing after their oil vessel was hit by the US forces near the coast of Oman, in second such incident in three days.
Their 21 other Indian colleagues were safely rescued, according to the Government of India.
Late on Wednesday night, India’s Ministry of External Affairs summoned Acting US Ambassador in New Delhi and a protest was lodged over the attack.
According to the Indian Embassy in Oman, a commercial vessel — Settebello — came under attack off the coast of Oman earlier today.
It had 24 Indian crew on board, it said in a statement.
“Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing,” the statement added.
It condemned the attack but gave no details regarding the attacker.
However, later, US Military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a social media post, it said, “U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM disabled Palau-flagged M/T Settebello as it transited the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions of the American forces.”
It also stated that “the U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman for the second consecutive day after another vessel violated the ongoing blockade by attempting to transport oil from Iran.”
In the earlier incident too, a vessel with 24 Indian crew was attacked near the Oman coast on June 7.
However, all the 24 Indian crew on board the targeted vessel were safe and subsequently rescued.
“The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region,” said the Indian Embassy statement which was retweeted by the Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry.
“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 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 said.
The attack came as fighting flared up again today between the US and Iran. (NVI)
