The Indian Embassy in Oman on Sunday said it is coordinating with Omani authorities following an incident involving the Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel Virat 1 off the coast of Oman.
According to the Embassy, the vessel was reportedly carrying 14 Indian crew members at the time of the incident.
In a statement posted on X, the Embassy said search and rescue operations are currently underway with the support of Omani authorities and nearby vessels.
“The Mission has learnt of an incident involving an Indian-flagged mechanised sailing vessel Virat 1, off the coast of Oman, reportedly embarked with 14 Indian crew. Search and Rescue is being coordinated with the Omani authorities and vessels in the vicinity of the incident,” the Embassy stated.
The Embassy has not yet disclosed details regarding the nature of the incident or the condition of the crew members. Further information is awaited as rescue efforts continue.
The development comes amid heightened concerns over maritime safety in the Gulf of Oman following a series of incidents involving vessels carrying Indian seafarers.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the US Charge d’Affaires, Jason Meeks, and lodged a strong protest over recent attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman.
In a statement, the MEA said it conveyed India’s deep concern over the use of force against civilian shipping and stressed that such actions undermine the safety and stability of international maritime commerce.
“A strong protest was lodged regarding the continuing attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian mariners in the Gulf of Oman, which have already resulted in the tragic and avoidable loss of three Indian lives,” the Ministry said.
The diplomatic protest followed the June 11 attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued while three lost their lives.
Earlier, all 20 Indian crew members aboard MT Jalveer were rescued with the assistance of Omani authorities after the vessel came under attack near Shinas port in Oman.
Another maritime incident was reported on June 8 when a fire broke out aboard MT Marivex, a vessel carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of Hormuz.
-IANS
