New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that an Indian-crewed oil tanker had come under a military strike near the coast of Oman, clarifying that all crew members onboard the vessel are safe and unharmed.
In an official statement, the ministry said it had established direct communication with the Master of the tanker MT Liaki Freedom, who confirmed that the circulating reports were inaccurate.
“We have spoken with the Master of the vessel Liaki Freedom, who has confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the reported information is false,” the MEA stated, putting to rest concerns that had emerged following unverified reports on social media and some media platforms.
The clarification came after claims surfaced suggesting that MT Liaki Freedom had become the fourth Indian-crewed vessel to be struck in waters off Oman, with uncertainty surrounding the condition of those onboard.
The rumours gained traction against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf region, particularly after the recent attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker MT Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, was reportedly targeted during a US naval operation, raising concerns about the safety of commercial shipping routes.
Given the recent incidents involving merchant ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, reports regarding another vessel quickly sparked anxiety among the families of Indian seafarers and the wider maritime community.
