MEA
MEA condemns attack on vessel off Oman, says one of 11 Indian crew member missing
New Delhi: India said one of 11 Indian crew members aboard a commercial vessel attacked off the coast of Oman remained missing after 10 others were rescued as New Delhi condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of regional tensions.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement its embassy in Oman was coordinating closely with Omani authorities as search-and-rescue operations continued following the attack on the GFS Galaxy.
The ministry said 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board had been rescued, while one remained unaccounted for.
"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman," the ministry said in a statement, thanking Omani authorities for their support in the rescue effort.
The MEA described the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region as "deeply worrisome" and renewed its call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions.
It also urged all parties to conclude ongoing diplomatic negotiations, saying attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must end and that free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways should be restored in accordance with international law.
The Indian ministry did not identify those responsible for the attack.
The statement came hours after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy as it transited the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the attack left one civilian crew member missing and caused an onboard fire and significant engine room damage, rendering the vessel unable to continue its voyage.
The U.S. military said it had begun a third round of strikes against Iran in response to what it described as repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
CENTCOM said the strikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels after Tehran allegedly failed to adhere to previous commitments to halt such attacks.
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