10 Indians Rescued, 1 Missing After Oman Vessel Attack! MEA Calls for De-escalation
10 Indians Rescued, 1 Missing After Oman Vessel Attack! MEA Calls for De-escalation
Urgent news: 10 Indian sailors rescued, 1 still missing after a commercial vessel was attacked off Oman's coast. India's MEA condemns the 'deeply worrisome' incident, urging immediate de-escalation amid regional tensions
In a deeply concerning development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Sunday, July 12, 2026, that 10 of the 11 Indian crew members aboard the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, which was attacked off the coast of Oman, have been successfully rescued. Tragically, one Indian national remains missing, prompting intensified search and rescue operations.
The MEA issued a strong statement condemning the assault on the GFS Galaxy, emphasizing that India's Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation. They are actively coordinating with Omani authorities, who have been thanked for their support in the ongoing efforts to locate the missing sailor and ensure the safety of all involved.
Describing the continuous incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome,” the MEA reiterated India’s urgent call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. The ministry urged for the swift conclusion of ongoing negotiations to find a diplomatic solution, aiming to restore peace and stability to the volatile region. It explicitly stated that the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must cease, and free, unimpeded navigation through international waterways must be restored at the earliest, in adherence to international law.
This attack unfolds amidst heightened regional instability. Earlier on the same Sunday, the United States conducted strikes against Iran, following an Iranian attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that had set a container ship ablaze. Iran reportedly responded with further attacks targeting several Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The Strait of Hormuz has become a critical flashpoint in the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, which seek a permanent end to the conflict that began on February 28. The latest violence closely followed a meeting between Iran and Oman’s Foreign Ministers on Saturday, July 11, to discuss the strait, highlighting the complex and fragile geopolitical landscape surrounding these maritime incidents.
