A co-owner of an Indian-flagged vessel attacked off the coast of Oman has called for a transparent investigation, flagging concerns over the safety of Indian ships and seafarers operating in the region.
The vessel, MSV Haji Ali, came under attack in the early hours of Wednesday, just days after another Indian-flagged ship, MSV Al Faiz Noor-e Suleimani, was caught in crossfire near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the death of an Indian sailor.
Owner recounts strike, demands clarity
Speaking to NDTV, co-owner Rohan Joshi detailed the incident and its aftermath. "I am the owner of the ship carrying registration number BDI 1492, which unfortunately got hit with a targeted aerial strike, resulting in the destruction of an Indian-flagged vessel, which is the second tragedy after MSV Noor-e Suleimani. The Haji Ali was engaged in lawful civilian maritime trade carrying livestock cargo from Somalia to the UAE," he said.
Joshi added that the strike triggered a fire that ultimately led to the vessel being destroyed. All 14 Indian crew members onboard survived and were rescued by the Omani coast guard. The identity of those behind the attack remains unclear.
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"At this stage, our primary demand is not to make allegations but to seek a proper and transparent investigation into what exactly happened. This was an Indian-flagged civilian vessel operating on a normal commercial route in Gulf waters. It is therefore extremely important that the Government of India conducts and pursues a serious diplomatic and maritime inquiry into this incident," he emphasised.
Call to preserve evidence, protect seafarers
Joshi urged authorities to coordinate with officials in Oman and the UAE to secure critical evidence such as radar data, maritime logs, rescue records and satellite inputs that could help reconstruct the sequence of events.
He also highlighted the wider impact of the incident on those dependent on the trade.
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"This matter is not only about one vessel. It concerns the safety and protection of Indian-flagged civilian ships and Indian seafarers operating in international waters and Gulf trade routes. We respectfully request a formal investigation, diplomatic intervention, preservation of evidence and assistance for the affected Indian crew members and vessel owners. We have already submitted a representation to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Directorate General of Shipping and hope the matter receives urgent attention," he added.
India terms attack ‘unacceptable’
The Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as unacceptable and condemned the continued targeting of civilian shipping.
"The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted. All Indian crew on board are safe, and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," the ministry said.
