India Condemns Attack on Ship Off Oman, Crew Safe

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday condemned an attack on the Indian-flagged cargo vessel Haji Ali off the coast of Oman, describing the incident as unacceptable and emphasizing the need to protect commercial shipping and civilian mariners.

The vessel, owned by a Gujarat-based operator and registered at Salaya Port in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, was en route from Berbera Port in Somalia to Sharjah carrying livestock when it came under attack early on May 13 near Limah on Oman's northern coast. Preliminary reports indicate the ship was struck by a suspected drone or missile around 3:30 a.m. local time, triggering an explosion, fire and eventual sinking. All 14 Indian crew members, including one tandel and 13 others, evacuated into lifeboats and sent a distress signal. Omani Coast Guard personnel rescued them promptly and brought them safely to Deeba port.

"All Indian crew on board are safe, and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," the ministry stated. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's position in an official release: "The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that...