Out of 11 Indian nationals aboard a commercial vessel attacked near Oman, 10 have been successfully rescued, while one remains missing. The US Central Command has held Iran responsible for the attack and reported that the ship is now non-operational. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed serious concern over the incident and urged for the protection of free navigation through international waterways.
The commercial ship named ‘GFS Galaxy’ was attacked on Sunday morning near the coast of Oman. The ministry stated that rescue and search operations are ongoing. According to the ministry, 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board have been safely rescued, with one still unaccounted for.
The US Central Command attributed responsibility for the attack to Iran and noted that the vessel suffered extensive damage from fire and to its engine room, rendering it inoperable. The British maritime security agency, UKMTO, reported that crew members abandoned the ship and took refuge in lifeboats. The incident occurred approximately 17 kilometers east of Oman’s coastline.
This event took place amid Iran’s recent announcement to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to the latest US military actions and amidst missile and drone attacks across various locations in the Gulf region. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed grave concern over attacks targeting commercial ships and civilian infrastructure, calling for an immediate cessation of such incidents. The ministry emphasized the urgent need to restore free and unimpeded passage through regional waterways in accordance with international law. The latest tensions between Iran and the US have further jeopardized interim agreements aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.
