Muscat, June 11: A fresh vessel incident has been reported off Oman’s Shinas port, and details are being ascertained, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said. “We have learnt of an incident involving a vessel off Shinas port of Oman, earlier today . We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the local authorities for further details”, the embassy said in a post on X. The development marks the third vessel-related incident reported off Oman in recent days.
The first incident involved MT Marivex on June 8, when a fire erupted aboard the vessel carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of Hormuz. The fire was reported at around 1:30 pm on Monday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways said at an inter-ministerial briefing.
“This is the preliminary information which we have received. Based on this, as per available information, all Indian seafarers are presently safe. So, whether the ship was hit by a projectile or not, presently we are trying to get absolute information. As you are aware, the fire incident was at 1:30 today,” Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director in the Shipping Division, had said.
The official said that they were in touch with the owners and trying to ascertain the facts, adding that they were also in touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian mission in Oman. The second incident on June 10 involved an attack on a commercial vessel, Settebello, off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard the vessel, 21 were rescued while three others were killed.
In a statement on Thursday, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that three Indians seafarers who were reported missing are now confirmed dead. “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,” Sonowal posted on X.
“This is a profound loss to our maritime family. The Modi Govt stands firmly with the bereaved during this difficult hour and is fully committed to supporting the next of kin. 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.
IANS
