New Delhi, India – India has strongly condemned a recent attack on a commercial vessel, the MT Andromeda Star, off the coast of Oman. The incident, which occurred on June 27, 2024, resulted in the rescue of ten Indian crew members, while one Indian national remains missing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the escalating maritime threats in the region and called for immediate action to ensure the safety of international shipping and seafarers.

The Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker, managed by Grace Tankers, reportedly sustained damage following a drone attack in the Arabian Sea, approximately 60 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman. All eleven crew members on board were Indian nationals. Following the assault, rapid response efforts by international maritime forces and commercial vessels in the vicinity led to the successful rescue of ten individuals. Search operations are actively underway for the missing crew member.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the incident during a press briefing on June 28, stating, "India condemns in the strongest terms the attack on the commercial vessel MT Andromeda Star with 11 Indian crew members on board. Our Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation. We are also in touch with the vessel's company and the families of the Indian crew." He further emphasized India's unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its seafarers, who constitute a significant portion of the global maritime workforce.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions and a series of assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden areas, primarily attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels. These incidents have disrupted global trade routes and prompted various navies to deploy assets to safeguard maritime traffic. While the specific perpetrators of the Andromeda Star attack have not been officially confirmed, its methodology and location align with previous actions targeting vessels in the region.

India has consistently advocated for freedom of navigation and urged all parties to adhere to international law. The MEA spokesperson reiterated this stance, highlighting the imperative of holding perpetrators accountable for such attacks. The Indian Navy has also enhanced its presence in the region, conducting anti-piracy and maritime security operations to protect Indian-flagged vessels and those carrying Indian crew.

Supporting Details:

  • Vessel Identity: The attacked vessel was the MT Andromeda Star, a Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker.
  • Crew Nationality: All eleven crew members on board were Indian nationals.
  • Incident Location: Approximately 60 nautical miles southeast of Salalah, Oman, in the Arabian Sea.
  • Attack Method: Reported to be a drone attack.
  • Government Response: India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and is coordinating with regional embassies and the shipping company.
  • Rescue Efforts: Ten crew members were rescued through coordinated international efforts.
  • Missing Person: Search operations are ongoing for the sole missing Indian seafarer.

As search efforts continue for the missing Indian seafarer, India remains engaged with international partners and maritime authorities to address the broader security challenges in the region. New Delhi maintains that such attacks undermine the principles of international law and pose significant risks to global supply chains. The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of commercial shipping in critical maritime corridors, prompting calls for strengthened collaborative security measures to protect vital trade routes and the lives of seafarers. India's commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens and upholding maritime security principles remains a top priority.