3 Indians missing after tanker attack off Oman coast, MEA says search underway: ‘Targeting must end’

INdia has condemned the assail on the tank driver Settebello come together muscat and oman’s coast close to the Strait of Hormuz. Three Indian seafarers remain missing as search and rescue efforts continue, the ministry of external affairs said on Wednesday.The vessel had 24 Indian nationals onboard at the time of the incident. Twenty-one of them been rescued so far, according to official information. Efforts are underway to trace and recover them.Track live updates here “Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation,” the MEA statement read. Maritime officials said the oil products tanker had been hit in a suspected US missile strike, Reuters reported.ALSO READ | Apache shot down, Trump's ‘bully is dead’ threat, oil fears: Top 10 developments in the latest US-Iran flare-upIndia described the attack as deeply concerning and condemned the continued incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region. “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 said.MEA confirms coordination with OmanEarlier, the Indian embassy in Muscat said it was closely monitoring an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman.“We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off the coast of Oman. We are closely monitoring the situation and in close touch with the local authorities. We shall update soon,” the embassy said. ALSO READ | US Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz; crew rescued, Trump says 'they are fine'Shipping body reports fire on tankerThe UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a report of an incident around 20 nautical miles northeast of Sohar in Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz.UKMTO said a tanker saw a fire in its engine room, with local authorities present on the scene assisting in the evacuation of the crew. It added that there was one reported casualty and two crew members missing, with no environmental impact reported so far, as per PTI.This comes a day after the Indian Coast Guard said it rescued 24 Indian crew of a Palau-flagged merchant tanker following a reported missile attack off the coast of Oman, in coordination with Omani authorities.Tensions in the Gulf have escalated in recent days. The United States have attacked Iran and they retaliated with missile strikes on Gulf countries.