Indian-flagged vessel sinks off Oman after attack, crew rescued

The Indian-flagged sailing vessel Haji Ali sank off the coast of Oman on Wednesday after coming under attack during a voyage from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates, though all 14 crew members were rescued by Omani authorities, Indian officials said on Thursday. Mukesh Mangal, a senior official at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, told reporters in New Delhi that the mechanized wooden dhow encountered the assault Wednesday morning in Omani waters. The attack triggered a fire that led to the vessel’s sinking, he said, adding that the crew reached Dibba Port safely following their rescue by the Omani Coast Guard.

New Delhi condemns incident

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that New Delhi "deplores" the continued targeting of commercial vessels and civilian mariners. "Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided," he said, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable. Mangal noted that no other incidents involving Indian vessels or seafarers have been reported in the 72 hours prior to the attack.

Separate seizure reported off UAE

The incident comes as the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported Thursday that a separate vessel had been seized by "unauthorized personnel" off the UAE coast and was heading toward Iranian territorial waters. The ship’s company security officer reported that the vessel was taken while at anchor approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah and is now bound for Iranian waters, according to the UKMTO statement.

Regional tensions persist

Tensions have remained high in the region since US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year triggered retaliatory attacks and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Washington has enforced naval restrictions targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait since April 13 amid a fragile ceasefire. At least 27 people from Asian countries have been killed or remain missing since the war began on February 28, according to a tally by Anadolu.