The photo is symbolic. Photo: Reuters
Indian crew members missing after ship attack off Oman coast
Three Indian crew members are missing and 21 others have been rescued following an attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman today, India’s foreign ministry said. It condemned the attack and expressed concern over continued attacks on maritime traffic in the region, which has been at war since the US-Israeli operation against Iran in late February.
“We condemn the attack on the merchant ship Settebella off the coast of Oman,” the foreign ministry in New Delhi said in a statement. They added that they are closely monitoring the situation and are cooperating with the Omani authorities in the search and rescue operation, reports the French news agency AFP.
“Continued attacks on maritime traffic in the region are of deep concern and are a direct result of the conflict in the area,” the foreign ministry said, calling for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and negotiations for a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability in the region.
British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech earlier said the Palava-flagged tanker Settebello had sent a distress call saying its engine room had been hit by a missile and reporting a fire on board and at least one casualty.
