New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): An Indian sailor was killed and 13 others were rescued after a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals came under attack near the coast of Oman on Monday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The Indian-flagged vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was attacked near Limah, Oman. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities to arrange the return of the 13 rescued crew members and the mortal remains of the deceased sailor.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was working to bring the survivors back to India and make arrangements to transport the deceased sailor’s remains.
“We are in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals who are there are repatriated back to India. We are also working to see how best and when we can transport the mortal remains of the Indian national who has died,” Jaiswal said.
He thanked the Omani authorities for their prompt response in rescuing the 13 crew members.
Indian Death Toll In West Asia Conflict Rises To 23
With the latest fatality, the number of Indians killed in the West Asia conflict has risen to 23, including 15 seafarers, according to the MEA. The previous official toll stood at 22, of whom 14 were seafarers.
Separately, five Indian nationals have been killed in attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea region, while two others remain missing, Jaiswal said.
In a statement, the MEA condemned the attack on MSV Al Jusufi and expressed condolences over the sailor’s death.
“Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 have been rescued while one Indian national tragically lost his life after sustaining injuries,” the ministry said.
India Calls For De-Escalation, Protection Of Commercial Shipping
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued crew members and the deceased sailor’s remains.
India also called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged parties involved to conclude ongoing negotiations to find a diplomatic solution.
“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 MEA said.
Jaiswal reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were essential to restoring peace and stability. He also stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation through international waterways.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in and around conflict-affected waters, as commercial vessels and vital maritime routes face growing risks.
