A commercial merchant tanker with Indian crew members on board was targeted near the coast of Oman on Thursday. This marks the third recent attack on merchant vessels with Indian seafarers near the coast of Oman.
The Embassy of India in Oman wrote on X, “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today ( Thursday). We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details."
Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) posted pictures on X, saying the targeted vessel was MT Jalveer.
Meanwhile, one of the missing sailors in yesterday’s attack on merchant vessel, Settebello, has died, taking the death toll to two.
An Indian mariner had died and two others were missing at sea following a US military attack on a merchant vessel, Settebello, off the coast of Oman on Wednesday.
FSUI general secretary Manoj Yadav told news agency ANI, “The latest information indicates that two have died, while the Chief Engineer is still reported as missing.”
Last night, New Delhi issued a demarche to US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, to protest the attack.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the Settebello was hit some 20 nautical miles (some 40 km) northeast of Sohar, Oman.
The Settebello, was supposedly moving around as ‘a dark ship’ meaning its automated identification system (AIS) was not switched on. The ship has not sunk, sources in India have confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday had ‘condemned’ the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello. “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” an MEA statement said.
The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region, the statement said. The MEA reiterated the immediate need for de-escalation of tension, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution.
