NEW DELHI: India on Sunday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, which was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that out of the 11 Indian nationals serving on board the Cyprus-flagged container ship, 10 have been successfully rescued. However, one Indian crew member remains missing as search and rescue operations continue.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the rapidly developing situation and is proactively coordinating with Omani maritime authorities.
Rescue Efforts and Missing Seafarer
Following the attack, which reportedly caused a significant fire in the vessel’s engine room and left it without propulsion, 23 of the 24 multinational crew members were safely evacuated. The rescue was coordinated by the Oman Maritime Security Centre and carried out by the Royal Navy of Oman.
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Status of Indians: 10 Indian seafarers are safe, with some receiving treatment for minor injuries in Oman.
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Missing Personnel: One Indian national, identified as the ship’s third engineer, remains missing. His family has been informed and is being counseled by Indian authorities.
The MEA issued a formal statement expressing gratitude to the local authorities: “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.”
India Calls for Immediate De-escalation
The attack on the GFS Galaxy marks another dangerous escalation in the crucial international shipping lane. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has alleged that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blatantly targeted the vessel.
Addressing the broader security crisis in the region, the MEA characterized the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping as “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 MEA stated.
The ministry further emphasized the critical need for global maritime security, stating:
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The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end immediately.
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Free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.
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All actions must remain in strict keeping with established international law.
Indian authorities are continuing to coordinate with Omani agencies and the ship’s management company to assist the affected crew members and locate the missing seafarer.
