There were 24 Indians on board the ship Sitipilo at the time of the accident. Three of them are now missing.
India on Wednesday condemned the attack on the merchant ship Sitipilo off the coast of Oman. Search and rescue operations are continuing for three missing Indian crew members, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
There were 24 Indian nationals on board the ship Sitipilo at the time of the accident. 21 of them have been rescued so far, while three are still missing, according to official information. Efforts are being made to trace and recover them.
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The Middle East Airlines statement said: “Our embassy in the Sultanate of Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation.”
India described the attack as very disturbing and condemned the continued incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region. “The continuing incidents of attacks on ships in the region are deeply concerning and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We reiterate our 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 targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unhindered navigation and trade across international waterways in the region must be restored in line with international law as soon as possible.”
