One Indian missing, 10 rescued after vessel attacked off Oman coast, says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday said that one Indian is missing and ten have been rescued after a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman amid the war in West Asia.

The vessel, GFS Galaxy, was attacked on Sunday morning, the ministry said.

The vessel had been disabled by fire and damage to its engine room, AFP quoted US Central Command as saying. The US has also accused Tehran of attacking the ship.

The crew abandoned the vessel and boarded a lifeboat, the news agency quoted United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations as saying.

The Indian foreign ministry said that continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome”. It called for the de-escalation of tensions and for the “conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region”.

“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 attack followed Tehran's announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and launching missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours in response to the latest US strikes.

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