India demands safe navigation after attack on MT El Gaia off Oman; 13 Indians rescued, search underway for 1 missing mariner

According to Zee News, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a formal call for the restoration of safe maritime navigation following an attack on the merchant vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. The incident reportedly resulted in the rescue of 13 Indian crew members, while search and rescue operations remain ongoing for one mariner who is currently missing.

The MEA emphasized the critical need for the uninterrupted flow of commerce through international waterways in the region, expressing concern over the safety of seafarers operating in these volatile waters. The Strait of Hormuz has seen a series of security challenges in recent months, impacting global shipping routes and raising tensions among regional stakeholders.

While details regarding the nature of the attack and the perpetrators remain under investigation, the incident underscores the persistent risks facing commercial vessels in the Gulf. Indian authorities are coordinating with local maritime agencies and international partners to locate the missing crew member and ensure the safety of the remaining personnel. Further updates are expected as the search operation continues and more information becomes available from the site of the incident.