Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Attack on Oman-Bound Tanker Leaves One Indian Missing
A ship called MT El Gaia was attacked near Oman.
It was carrying 14 Indian sailors.
Indian officials said 13 sailors were rescued and safely brought to land.
One sailor is still missing.
Omani authorities are searching for that person.
The Indian embassy is helping coordinate the search.
India said attacking ships and sailors is unacceptable and called for calmer tensions and safer sea routes.
One report gave a different rescue number, but official statements said 13 sailors were rescued.
The Panama-flagged commercial tanker MT El Gaia was attacked off Oman on Sunday.
The vessel carried 14 Indian crew members, of whom official statements said 13 were rescued and taken ashore safely.
Search-and-rescue operations continue for one missing Indian seafarer, with the Embassy of India in Oman coordinating with Omani authorities.
India condemned the attack and called for de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, and safe navigation through regional waterways.
One report said three crew members were rescued, conflicting with official statements and most reports that said 13 were rescued.
- Who
- The 14 Indian crew members aboard MT El Gaia, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of India in Oman, and Omani authorities.
- What
- An attack on the Panama-flagged commercial tanker MT El Gaia left one Indian seafarer missing; 13 others were officially reported rescued.
- When
- Sunday, September 13, 2026; the attack occurred earlier that day.
- Where
- Off the coast of Oman, in regional international waterways.
- Why
- The cause of the attack was not stated. India responded by condemning the targeting of commercial shipping and calling for de-escalation, diplomacy, and safe navigation.
Official Statements
Conflicting Report
Number of crew rescued
Official Statements
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Oman said 13 of the 14 Indian crew members were rescued and taken ashore safely.
Conflicting Report
One report said that three Indian crew members had been rescued, creating a discrepancy with the official account.
- Vessel
- MT El Gaia, a Panama-flagged commercial tanker
- Crew aboard
- 14 Indian nationals
- Rescued
- 13 Indian crew members, according to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Oman
- Missing
- One Indian seafarer
- Search operation
- Omani authorities are continuing search-and-rescue efforts
- India’s response
- India condemned the attack and urged de-escalation, dialogue, diplomacy, and safe navigation
- Proposed measure
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network at the BRICS summit
- Reporting discrepancy
- One report said three crew members were rescued, while official statements and most reports said 13
Sources
MEA condemns attack on commercial vessel off the coast of Oman as 1 seafarer remains missing
Ship With Indian Crew Attacked Off Oman Coast, 13 Rescued, 1 Missing
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Vessel Off Oman Coast; 13 Indians Rescued of 14 Onboard
One Indian missing after attack on commercial vessel off Oman coast: MEA
1 Indian missing following attack on tanker near Oman
1 Indian missing after attack on Panama-flagged tanker off Oman
1 Indian seafarer missing, 13 rescued as tanker hit near Oman; MEA condemns attack
