The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman on Sunday and said that 3 Indian crew members have been rescued while search and rescue operations continue for one missing Indian national.&nbsp;The MEA said 14 Indians were onboard the vessel when the incident took place.&nbsp;“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today,” the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” it added.&nbsp;The MEA also thanked the Omani authorities for their support in rescuing the Indian nationals.&nbsp;We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region, the MEA statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-s-big-ucc-deadline-all-21-nda-ruled-states-to-implement-law-by-2029-1789303324990">Amit Shah’s big UCC deadline: All 21 NDA-ruled states to implement law by 2029</a>&nbsp;“The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” it added.&nbsp;At the BRICS Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted the attacks on sailors since the beginning of the West Asia conflict and proposed an emergency support network for seafarers to ensure their safety.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi extended the proposal while addressing foreign delegates during the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eam-jaishankar-meets-saudi-foreign-minister-for-bilateral-as-both-nations-seek-to-advance-cooperation-1789302835549">Jaishankar meets Saudi Foreign Minister for bilateral, both discuss ways to advance cooperation</a>&nbsp;Highlighting the role of sailors in terms of global trade, PM Modi said they “make a massive contribution.”&nbsp;The PM said that mariners often lack support in times of crisis and that the proposed network would help bridge the gap between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions by providing assistance to seafarers through distress alerts, medical aid, evacuations, and family notifications.&nbsp;Seafarers from several countries, including India, have come under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which is facing a blockade by both Iran and the US.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and said 14 Indians were onboard the commercial vessel when the attack took place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted the attacks on sailors and proposed an emergency support network to ensure the safety of seafarers.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman on Sunday and said that 3 Indian crew members have been rescued while search and rescue operations continue for one missing Indian national. The MEA said 14 Indians were onboard the vessel when the incident took place. “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman earlier today,” the ministry said in a statement. “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” it added. The MEA also thanked the Omani authorities for their support in rescuing the Indian nationals. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and pursuance of dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace to the region, the MEA statement said. Also Read: Amit Shah’s big UCC deadline: All 21 NDA-ruled states to implement law by 2029 “The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians, and civilian infrastructure in the region is unacceptable. We also urge that free and safe navigation and flow of commerce through the international waterways in the region be restored at the earliest,” it added. At the BRICS Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted the attacks on sailors since the beginning of the West Asia conflict and proposed an emergency support network for seafarers to ensure their safety. Prime Minister Modi extended the proposal while addressing foreign delegates during the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Also Read: Jaishankar meets Saudi Foreign Minister for bilateral, both discuss ways to advance cooperation Highlighting the role of sailors in terms of global trade, PM Modi said they “make a massive contribution.” The PM said that mariners often lack support in times of crisis and that the proposed network would help bridge the gap between maritime authorities and diplomatic missions by providing assistance to seafarers through distress alerts, medical aid, evacuations, and family notifications. Seafarers from several countries, including India, have come under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, which is facing a blockade by both Iran and the US.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and said 14 Indians were onboard the commercial vessel when the attack took place. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had highlighted the attacks on sailors and proposed an emergency support network to ensure the safety of seafarers.

India condemns attack on merchant vessel off Oman coast; 13 Indian crew rescued, one missing

An Indian seafarer who fell ill while serving aboard MT Celestial has died near the coast of Oman, with the Indian Embassy in Muscat confirming that efforts are underway to bring his mortal remains back to India.&nbsp;The deceased was identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Second Officer from Tamil Nadu. According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), he died at around 1800 hrs on June 11 after suffering medical complications while the vessel was at sea.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Muscat said, “An Indian national, Nishanth Uirthanathan, passed away due to medical complications. His mortal remains are currently onboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port. The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned stakeholders”.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," it added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An Indian national Mr. Nishanth Uirthanathan passed away due to medical complications. His mortal remains are currently onboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port. The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned…&mdash; India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) <a href="https://x.com/Indemb_Muscat/status/2065834878806184149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Union raises concerns over medical assistance</h2>Earlier, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India claimed that attempts to secure medical treatment and emergency evacuation for Uirthanathan were unsuccessful. In posts shared on X, the union said his body had remained aboard the vessel for two days after his death and urged authorities to facilitate its immediate repatriation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MTCelestial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTCelestial</a> (off Oman coast) 35-year-old Second Officer Nishanth Uirthanathan (Tamil Nadu) passed away on June 11 after falling seriously ill. His body has remained onboard for over 2 days with no proper refrigeration. Crew is using cold water bottles in a desperate attempt to… <a href="https://t.co/hPzGh9St9U">pic.twitter.com/hPzGh9St9U</a>&mdash; FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) <a href="https://x.com/FSUIINDIA/status/2065799542554173815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The union also alleged that communication services at Duqm Port had been disrupted and that requests for assistance had not received a response from the concerned authorities.&nbsp;In a video released by the union, the vessel's captain, Rajendra Yadav, said the officer could not receive treatment because of missile strikes and security-related restrictions in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-mayor-joel-bravo-killed-weeks-after-another-oaxaca-mayor-was-slain-in-cartel-violence-1781391102281">Mexico mayor Joel Bravo killed weeks after another Oaxaca mayor was slain in cartel violence</a>&nbsp;“Despite repeated requests for assistance, the deceased remains onboard. The body has been onboard for the last 2 days and has started decomposing, causing severe emotional distress to the crew and raising serious health and humanitarian concerns,” Yadav said.<h2>Incident comes amid heightened tensions with US</h2>The development comes as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed India's "strong protest" to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio over American military strikes on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Oman that led to the deaths of three Indian mariners.&nbsp;However, the United States maintained its position on enforcing its blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. In remarks attributed to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, Rubio said violations of the blockade and the transport of Iranian oil would not be accepted. He also urged commercial vessels operating in the area to comply with instructions issued by US forces.&nbsp;The diplomatic exchange followed attacks on three vessels carrying Indian crew members off the coast of Oman this week. One of the incidents resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors aboard a merchant vessel.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said Nishanth Uirthanathan died after suffering medical complications and that his mortal remains are currently aboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port.

An Indian seafarer who fell ill while serving aboard MT Celestial has died near the coast of Oman, with the Indian Embassy in Muscat confirming that efforts are underway to bring his mortal remains back to India. The deceased was identified as Nishanth Uirthanathan, a 35-year-old Second Officer from Tamil Nadu. According to the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), he died at around 1800 hrs on June 11 after suffering medical complications while the vessel was at sea. In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Muscat said, “An Indian national, Nishanth Uirthanathan, passed away due to medical complications. His mortal remains are currently onboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port. The Embassy has been in continuous contact with the ship management company and is coordinating closely with all concerned stakeholders”. "Necessary arrangements are being made for the early repatriation of the mortal remains to India. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time," it added.

The Indian Embassy in Oman said Nishanth Uirthanathan died after suffering medical complications and that his mortal remains are currently aboard MT Celestial at Duqm Port.

Indian seafarer dies aboard vessel off Oman coast, embassy begins repatriation process

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that the commercial tanker, Settebello, which was attacked off the coast of Oman earlier in the day, had 24 Indian crew on it, and three of them are still missing while 21 have been rescued. The ministry of external affairs also condemned the attack on a commercial vessel.&nbsp;The MEA said in a statement, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-may-keep-going-with-strikes-against-iran-target-power-plants-and-bridges-1781100224324">Trump says he may ‘keep going’ with strikes against Iran, target power plants and bridges</a>&nbsp;“Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the statement added.&nbsp;The MEA raised concerns over the continued attacks on shipping in the region.It said, “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. 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 added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-a-steel-wall-trump-says-us-blockade-most-successful-in-the-history-of-naval-warfare-1781095627604">‘It is a steel wall’: Trump says US blockade most successful in the history of naval warfare</a>&nbsp;United States and Iran traded strikes on Wednesday, testing the fragile ceasefire and threatening to derail the ceasefire talks which have been ongoing.&nbsp;The US military carried out strikes on 20 Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Iran downing a US Apache helicopter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-pay-the-price-warns-trump-says-tehran-missed-chance-for-deal-1781091348456">‘Iran will pay the price,’ warns Trump, says Tehran missed chance for ‘deal’</a>&nbsp;Iran subsequently carried out missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump later warned that Iran would have to “pay the price” as the Iranian leadership had taken “too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Axios reported that US forces had attacked several Iranian air defence systems and radar systems around the strait.

The MEA raised concerns over the continued attacks on shipping in the region and said they are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. The ministry reiterated the call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and conclusion of ongoing talks for a solution.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that the commercial tanker, Settebello, which was attacked off the coast of Oman earlier in the day, had 24 Indian crew on it, and three of them are still missing while 21 have been rescued. The ministry of external affairs also condemned the attack on a commercial vessel. The MEA said in a statement, “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing.” Also Read: Trump says he may ‘keep going’ with strikes against Iran, target power plants and bridges “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the statement added. The MEA raised concerns over the continued attacks on shipping in the region. It said, “The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. 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 added. Also Read: ‘It is a steel wall’: Trump says US blockade most successful in the history of naval warfare United States and Iran traded strikes on Wednesday, testing the fragile ceasefire and threatening to derail the ceasefire talks which have been ongoing. The US military carried out strikes on 20 Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for Iran downing a US Apache helicopter. Also Read: ‘Iran will pay the price,’ warns Trump, says Tehran missed chance for ‘deal’ Iran subsequently carried out missile and drone attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. US President Donald Trump later warned that Iran would have to “pay the price” as the Iranian leadership had taken “too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them”. Axios reported that US forces had attacked several Iranian air defence systems and radar systems around the strait.

The MEA raised concerns over the continued attacks on shipping in the region and said they are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. The ministry reiterated the call for immediate de-escalation of tensions and conclusion of ongoing talks for a solution.

3 Indians missing, 21 rescued after tanker attacked off Oman coast; MEA condemns incident

Three French tourists die after their boat capsizes off Oman's Muscat coast, with two others injured in the Gulf of Oman tragedy.


Oman Boat Tragedy: Three Killed as Vessel Carrying 25 Tourists Overturns Near Muscat

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India condemns attack on merchant vessel off Oman coast; 13 Indian crew rescued, one missing

Indian seafarer dies aboard vessel off Oman coast, embassy starts repatriation

3 Indians missing, 21 rescued after tanker attacked off Oman; MEA slams incident

Oman Boat Tragedy: Three Killed as Vessel Carrying 25 Tourists Overturns Near Muscat