One Indian Seafarer Missing After Attack on MT El Gaia Off Oman Coast, Search Continues

One Indian seafarer remains missing after the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia was attacked off Oman, with 13 other Indian crew members rescued.

Search Underway for Missing Seafarer

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said search and rescue operations are continuing for the missing Indian national, while the Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating closely with Omani authorities.

The vessel was carrying 14 Indian crew members when it came under attack off the Omani coast on September 13. Thirteen Indians have since been rescued and brought ashore safely.

The Indian Embassy said the search operation for the 13 rescued crew members had been completed, while Omani authorities continued efforts to locate the remaining seafarer.

India Condemns Attack on Commercial Vessel

The MEA condemned the attack on MT El Gaia and said the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure was unacceptable.

India also called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.

The ministry further called for the restoration of free and safe navigation and the uninterrupted flow of commerce through international waterways in the region.

Embassy Coordinates With Omani Authorities

The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the search and rescue operation and coordinating with the Omani authorities.

The MEA thanked Oman for its support in rescuing the Indian crew members and assisting with the ongoing search for the missing seafarer.

The incident comes amid heightened security concerns for commercial shipping in the wider West Asian region.

Growing Concerns Over Safety of Indian Seafarers

The MT El Gaia incident follows another attack involving an Indian-flagged commercial vessel in the Red Sea last month.

The MSV Faize Noore Oliya sank off Yemen on August 4 after an attack, with all 13 Indian nationals on board rescued. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh coordinated with Yemeni authorities during that operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also proposed a Seafarers' Emergency Support Network at the BRICS Summit to strengthen support for mariners facing security risks amid regional conflicts.

Indian seafarers account for more than 12 per cent of the global merchant shipping workforce, making maritime security a significant concern for India as attacks on commercial routes continue to disrupt regional waters.