One Indian Missing After Attack on Vessel Off Oman

One Indian seafarer is missing and 13 others have been rescued after an attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Sunday. The ministry stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities on ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing national. The vessel, a Panama-flagged tanker, had 14 Indian crew members on board at the time of the incident. India condemned the attack and reiterated its call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region. "The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable," the ministry said. It also urged the restoration of free and safe navigation through international waterways. The attack on MT El Gaia occurred amid heightened regional tensions. Earlier on the same day, an Iranian cargo vessel was reportedly struck off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media. The UK Maritime Trade Operations monitor also received reports of a vessel being hit by an unknown projectile in the strait.