India condemns attack on ship off Oman as seafarer remains missing; 13 Indian crew members rescued | India News - Hindustan Times

**India Condemns Attack on Commercial Vessel Off Oman, Seafarer Still Missing**

New Delhi has issued a strong rebuke after a commercial tanker sailing in the Gulf of Oman was struck by an unidentified projectile on **April 27, 2024**. The vessel, which was carrying a crew of 14 Indian nationals, sustained serious damage to its hull and caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation. Indian Navy ships and Omani coast‑guard units responded swiftly, rescuing **13 crew members** and transporting them to safety in Muscat. One seafarer, identified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as **Sanjay Kumar**, remains unaccounted for despite extensive search‑and‑rescue operations involving Indian, Omani and international assets.

In a statement released by the MEA, the government described the incident as **“unacceptable and a violation of international maritime law.”** The ministry urged the international community, especially nations with a presence in the region, to condemn any acts of aggression against civilian shipping and to ensure the safety of seafarers. Prime Minister **Narendra Modi**, who had earlier called for a **BRICS‑wide maritime assistance network** to aid mariners in distress, reiterated the need for collective security mechanisms to protect commercial vessels traversing the strategically vital Gulf of Oman. The Indian ambassador to Oman, **Ramesh Chandra**, conveyed his gratitude to Omani authorities for their prompt assistance and pledged full cooperation in the ongoing investigation.

The incident adds to a spate of recent attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and adjoining waters, where militant groups have claimed responsibility for targeting vessels linked to Israel or Western interests. While no group has yet claimed responsibility for this particular strike, Indian officials have warned that such threats jeopardize global trade routes and the livelihoods of thousands of Indian seafarers who form the backbone of the nation’s merchant‑navy workforce. The MEA has assured the families of the missing seafarer that **“every possible measure”** will be taken to locate him and that the case will be pursued through diplomatic channels and, if necessary, international legal avenues.