‘Targeting Must End’: 3 Indians missing after tanker attack off Oman coast, MEA says search underway

Three Indian crew members are missing after a tanker attack off Oman's coast near the Strait of Hormuz. India has launched rescue efforts and condemned attacks on commercial shipping.

New Delhi: Three Indian nationals remain missing after a commercial tanker carrying 24 Indian crew members was attacked off the coast of Oman near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, prompting India to launch a coordinated search and rescue effort and call for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that 21 Indian crew members aboard the vessel Settebello had been rescued, while efforts were continuing to locate the remaining three.

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Search and Rescue Operations Continue

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and is working in coordination with Omani authorities involved in the ongoing rescue operation.

"Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation," the ministry said in a statement.

The identities of the missing crew members have not yet been disclosed.

India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping

India strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the increasing threats to maritime security in the Gulf region.

The MEA described the repeated targeting of commercial vessels as "deeply worrisome" and linked the incidents to the broader conflict unfolding in West Asia.

Calling for restraint, India urged all parties to pursue diplomatic solutions and restore stability in the region. "The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end," the ministry said, stressing the need for free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways.

Incident Near Strait of Hormuz

According to maritime monitoring agencies, the tanker was struck near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit routes.

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The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar in Oman. The agency said a tanker suffered a fire in its engine room and local authorities assisted in evacuating crew members. Initial reports indicated one casualty and multiple missing crew members.

Rising Tensions in Gulf Waters

The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf following recent military exchanges involving the United States and Iran. Just a day earlier, the Indian Coast Guard had assisted in rescuing 24 Indian sailors from another vessel affected by attacks in the region.

The latest strike has heightened concerns over the safety of international shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies passes.

With rescue operations ongoing, India continues to monitor developments closely while pushing for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the regional conflict.