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'Unacceptable': Centre Slams Attack On Indian-Flagged Vessel Near Oman
An Indian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman, triggering a fire that led to the vessel's sinking. All Indian crew on board were reported safe, and Oman’s Coast Guard rescued them and took them to Diba port. India’s MEA condemned the attack as 'unacceptable' and noted that two other Indian-flagged ships have been attacked since the US–Iran war began on February 28, 2026.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing risks to civilian shipping in the Gulf region and in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and mariners' safety amid regional tensions.
Timeline
4 Events
MEA calls attack 'unacceptable' and says all Indian crew safe
May 14, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as 'unacceptable' and said all Indian crew on board are safe. It thanked Omani authorities for rescuing them and urged that targeting commercial shipping and endangering civilian mariners should be avoided.
Omani Coast Guard rescues Indian crew; taken to Diba port
May 13, 2026
The crew members were rescued by Oman's Coast Guard and taken to Diba port.
Attack on Indian-flagged vessel off the coast of Oman
May 13, 2026
An Indian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman. The strike triggered a fire and the vessel subsequently sank. The ship was reported to be sailing from Somalia.
War between the US and Iran began; context for regional security
February 28, 2026
The article notes that at least two other Indian-flagged ships have been attacked since the war between the United States and Iran began on February 28, 2026, underscoring fragile security in the Strait of Hormuz.