An Indian seafarer was killed and 19 others were rescued after their commercial vessel, MV Cape Dao, came under attack off the east coast of Oman while transiting towards India, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.India condemned the attack and said the continuing incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region were “deeply worrisome”. The MEA said its embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian seafarers.“Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 have been rescued, while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” the ministry said.
India condemns attack
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman,” the MEA said, adding that India had thanked the Omani authorities for their support.The ministry said the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end. It also reiterated its call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways.“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace to the region,” the MEA said.
Embassy coordinating with Oman
The Indian embassy in Oman said it was in close coordination with Omani authorities over the safety of the crew and was monitoring the situation.
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“We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals,” the embassy said in a post on X.The mission also expressed condolences to the family of the Indian seafarer who was killed.“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in this attack. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Mission is coordinating with the RPSL and is in touch with the family of the deceased,” it added.The MEA said the embassy was proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the Indian seafarers.India has consistently called for safe and free navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways.
