An “incident” involving a ship was reported off Oman’s Shinas port earlier on Thursday, the Indian Embassy in Oman said in a post on X, adding that it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ascertain further details.
This is the third reported case of an Indian crewed merchant ship being attacked by the US. All the crew members are safe so far, as per initial reports received, people familiar with the matter told HT. Follow June 11 updates on the Iran war here
The above-mentioned individuals identified the ship “Gulliver”, a tanker flying the flag of Guinea Bissau.
The third “American attack” on an Indian crewed ship
India on Wednesday summoned a senior US diplomat after US forces struck a second ship with an Indian crew in the Gulf of Oman this week, as concerns grow about the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on commercial shipping.
The Sitipilo ship was carrying 24 Indian crew members, three of whom were confirmed dead on Thursday while 21 others were rescued, according to the government.
Earlier this week, US forces fired on the Marivex, an empty tanker suspected of involvement in the Iranian oil trade. All 24 Indian crew members on board the ship were rescued.
So far, US forces have disabled eight non-compliant ships and redirected 134 ships, Central Command said.
The United States and Iran are on the brink of resuming all-out war in the largest exchange of hostilities since the April 8 ceasefire after Washington on Wednesday launched strikes in response to the downing of a US military helicopter. Iran then returned fire, setting off sirens across the Gulf.
The exchange of missiles and drones continued on Thursday, forcing Kuwait to temporarily close its airspace.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday issued a statement condemning the attacks on Indian crewed ships, saying: “We condemn the attack on the merchant ship Setibillo off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew, 21 Indians have been rescued so far and 3 Indians are said to be missing. 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 of Foreign Affairs said that the ongoing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply concerning and are a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region, and reiterated the call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution “so that peace and stability can return to the region.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unhindered navigation and trade through international waterways in the region must be restored in line with international law as soon as possible.
