An Indian seafarer is missing following an attack on the Panama-flagged commercial tanker MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. The vessel’s crew included 14 Indian nationals, 13 of whom have been rescued. The Indian embassy in Muscat is coordinating closely with Omani authorities on the ongoing search operation.
The Ministry of External Affairs did not specify the cause of the attack or who was responsible, and Oman has not issued a public statement. The incident is part of a broader pattern of strikes on commercial shipping during the conflict involving Iran and the United States.
The MEA called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, stating that targeting commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable. The search operation for the missing seafarer remains ongoing, with no confirmation of his condition or whereabouts.