Indian-crewed vessel in Gulf stops responding, MEA says reports of US attacks 'false'

REports of assail on another ship, Liaki Freedom, with native american crew members alongside away the coast of muscat and oman surfaced on Saturday morning after the vessel reportedly stopped responding. However, just moments later, the Ministry of External Affairs said that they have spoken to the master of the vessel who confirmed that all the crew members aboard were safe and that the reports of any attack were “false” and “baseless”.In a fact-check, the MEA said, “Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media.”According to Forward Seamen's Union of India, it has not been able to contact the ship as its Very High Frequency (VFH) radio is not responding. However, it managed to track the vessel's location, coordinates of which are — Latitude 24°43.85N, Longitude 56°37.52E.Also read: ‘Not justified’: In call with Rubio, Jaishankar raises concern over Indian sailors' death in US strikesThe US has not yet reacted to the reports.This came after three vessels with Indian crew members aboard were attacked in the Gulf in recent days. While the US Central Command confirmed that the attacks were carried out by American naval forces, US President Donald Trump pinned the blame on Iran and said that Tehran was behind the attacks.So far, three Indian mariners have been killed in the US Navy attacks in the Gulf.External affairs minister S Jaishankar said early Saturday that he spoke with his American counterpart Marco Rubio on Friday and lodged India's strong protest over the attacks.Also read: Strait of Hormuz to nuclear: 5 terms of deal that US and Iran are close to signing"Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified," he wrote on X.What happened?A commercial ship named Settebello was struck in the Gulf on Wednesday, following which, three Indian seafarers went missing who were later confirmed dead.Track live updates of US-Iran war here“It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello. Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” said shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a post on X.“I have directed officials to ensure immediate repatriation of the rescued crew members and swift return of the mortal remains of the deceased for their final rites,” he added.On Thursday, smoke was detected owing to a fire in the engine room of the vessel MT Jalveer, following which, crew members were evacuated to Oman's Shinas port. There were reportedly 20 Indian sailors onboard the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, all of whom were reported to be safe.On Monday, Palau-flagged tanker MT Marivex caught fire on Monday this week after it was attacked by the US Navy off the coast of Oman, the ministry of external affairs said. All 24 Indian crew members onboard were rescued safely, said MEA.