India condemns attack on commercial vessel off Oman coast; 10 Indians rescued, one missing

India on Sunday condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, saying 10 of the 11 Indian nationals on board have been rescued while one Indian national is reportedly missing.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with the Omani authorities as search and rescue operations continue.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation. We thank the Omani authorities for their support," the MEA said in a statement.


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According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM said a civilian crew member was missing and the vessel was unable to continue its voyage because of an onboard fire and significant damage to its engine room.

Following the attack, CENTCOM said it launched a third round of strikes this week against Iran. US forces targeted about 140 Iranian military sites, including missile and drone positions, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance locations. CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out at the direction of the US President to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

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CENTCOM said it has struck more than 300 targets over three nights this week in response to attacks on commercial shipping. It also said US forces have helped facilitate the safe passage of more than 800 commercial vessels and 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since early May.

The MEA also expressed concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for efforts to restore peace and maritime security.

"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," the MEA said.