Rescuers save 13 Indians following oil tanker drone strike
Indian authorities confirm 13 national sailors are safe following a severe attack on their commercial ship off the coast of Oman. Search and rescue teams continue looking for one missing crew member from the Panama-flagged MT El Gaia.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the developing situation during a press briefing in New Delhi. He expressed deep gratitude to Omani authorities for their rapid assistance in saving human lives. Jaiswal stressed that violent actions targeting commercial shipping, civilian infrastructure, and innocent seafarers remain completely unacceptable. He strongly called for the immediate restoration of safe maritime movement and unhindered trade across all international waterways.
Conflicting reports over vessel damage
Global trade relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, making merchant ship security a critical geopolitical priority. United States military officials recently rejected claims from Iran regarding the cause of the ship's initial damage. Central Command stated an Iranian missile struck the oil tanker last month, leaving the vessel inoperable. Over the weekend, a drone reportedly struck the ship again while navigating near Oman. Regional partners are currently towing the damaged ship to a safer location.
Before the American statement emerged, Iranian state media outlet Fars News Agency reported a different version of events. Citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, they claimed the oil tanker hit a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. This reported mine strike supposedly caused a large explosion and severe fire on board. Despite these conflicting geopolitical claims, the primary focus for Indian officials remains locating the final missing sailor and ensuring secure passage for future commerce.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image Courtesy Newsonair
