New Delhi: An Indian sailor was killed and 13 others rescued after an attack on a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals off the coast of Oman, taking the number of Indians killed in the West Asia crisis to 23.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian-flagged vessel, MSV Al Yusuf, was attacked near Limah in Oman on Monday evening.
The Indian embassy in Muscat is coordinating with Omani authorities to facilitate the return of the 13 rescued crew members and repatriate the deceased sailor’s body.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was working to bring the rescued sailors back to India and make arrangements for the return of the deceased.
“We are in the process of ensuring that the 13 Indian nationals there are brought back to India. We are also working to see how and when the mortal remains of the Indian national who was killed can be brought back in the best possible manner,” Jaiswal said.
He thanked Omani authorities for their prompt action in rescuing the 13 Indian crew members following the attack.
The latest death takes the number of Indian nationals killed in the West Asia crisis, which began on February 28, to 23, including 15 sailors. The previous official toll was 22, including 14 Indian sailors.
