India has strongly condemned an attack on the commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman, after the incident left one Indian crew member missing. Of the 14 Indian crew members aboard the vessel, 13 have been rescued, while search and rescue operations continue for the remaining Indian national.
The incident occurred on September 13, 2026, as the Panama-flagged vessel was operating in waters near Oman. Reports said the ship was struck by an unknown projectile and a fire broke out onboard, following which local authorities began evacuation and rescue operations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the incident and said that targeting commercial shipping, seafarers, civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable.The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Omani authorities involved in the search and rescue operation. India also thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance in safely rescuing the Indian crew members.
While 13 Indian crew members have been brought to safety, one Indian national remains unaccounted for. Search and rescue efforts are continuing to locate the missing seafarer.The incident has raised renewed concerns about the safety of commercial vessels and sailors operating through strategically important waterways in the region. India has called for the immediate de-escalation of tensions and urged countries to pursue dialogue and diplomacy.
The attack comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding shipping routes in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
Any disruption to commercial shipping in the region can have wider consequences for international trade, energy supplies and shipping costs. Recent attacks and threats against vessels have increased concerns among governments and shipping companies about the safety of crews and cargo.
India has emphasised the importance of restoring free and safe navigation and the flow of commerce through international waterways at the earliest.
The Indian government is continuing to monitor the situation through its embassy in Oman. Authorities are coordinating with local agencies as the search for the missing crew member continues.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by Indian seafarers working on commercial vessels in conflict-affected or high-tension maritime regions.
As rescue operations continue, attention remains focused on locating the missing Indian national and determining the circumstances surrounding the attack on MT El Gaia.