India Condemns Attack on Tanker Off Oman; One Seafarer Missing

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the assault on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia, which occurred off the coast of Oman, leaving one Indian seafarer unaccounted for. The attack targeted a commercial shipping vessel, highlighting concerns over the safety of maritime activities in volatile regions.

Of the 14 Indian crew members aboard, 13 have successfully been rescued according to a statement by the MEA. 'We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 14 Indian crew onboard, 13 Indians have been rescued so far,' the ministry noted. Rescue operations for the missing individual are ongoing.

The MEA expressed gratitude towards the Omani authorities for their assistance in the rescue efforts, stating that India's embassy in Oman is actively monitoring the incident and coordinating closely with local officials.

This incident occurred shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the establishment of a 'Seafarers' Emergency Support Network' during the recent BRICS Summit. The initiative aims to enhance the safety of mariners facing escalating dangers due to regional disputes.

In its statement, the MEA underscored the unacceptability of attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure, while urging for the immediate restoration of safety protocols to ensure the free movement of commerce through international waters. 'The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable,' the ministry reiterated.

The vessel's attack raises alarm against the backdrop of increasing threats faced by Indian seafarers amidst ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea, which have disrupted commercial maritime operations. Reports indicate that ten Indian seafarers have died due to violence in the West Asia conflict, with another five fatalities linked to strikes on merchant vessels in the Black Sea. Indian nationals represent over 12 per cent of the global merchant shipping workforce, second only to those from the Philippines. Currently, India contributes approximately 312,000 of the world's total 2.57 million seafarers.