One Indian national was killed and 19 others were rescued after the commercial vessel MV Cape Duo came under attack off the eastern coast of Oman, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. All 20 Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were accounted for, with the Indian Embassy in Oman coordinating with local authorities for the safety and repatriation of the survivors.
One Seafarer Loses Life
The vessel was attacked while transiting towards India off the Omani coast. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, one Indian seafarer tragically lost his life in the incident, while the remaining 19 crew members were rescued.
The ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased seafarer and said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation. It is also coordinating with Omani authorities and other concerned agencies regarding the safe return of the rescued crew members.
India Condemns Attack
The attack has drawn a strong response from New Delhi, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply worrisome. India called for an immediate end to attacks targeting commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure. The ministry also stressed the need for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region.
Call for Dialogue and Diplomacy
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and facilitate an early return to peace in the region. The statement comes amid continuing security concerns surrounding commercial shipping routes in the wider region.
The government also thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance following the attack. The Indian Embassy in Oman said it remained in close contact with the Omani authorities regarding the safety of the crew and was working with the relevant agencies on arrangements for the rescued seafarers.
Focus on Maritime Safety
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by seafarers travelling through strategically important international waterways. With commercial vessels continuing to operate in waters affected by regional tensions, concerns over the safety of crews and the uninterrupted movement of global shipping have remained significant.
Indian authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and coordinate with their Omani counterparts following the attack. The immediate priority remains the welfare of the rescued seafarers and arrangements for their return to India.