India says 10 rescued, one missing after vessel attacked off Oman

India confirmed on Sunday that 11 of its nationals were aboard a commercial vessel struck in waters off Oman, as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh strikes.

Ten crew members have been rescued, while one Indian national remains missing, the foreign ministry said in a statement issued from New Delhi.

How many Indians were rescued after the Oman vessel attack?

Of the 11 Indian nationals aboard the vessel GFS Galaxy, 10 have been rescued so far. One Indian national is reportedly missing, according to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs. Search-and-rescue operations remain underway following the attack, which took place early on Sunday off the coast of Oman.

Who attacked the vessel off Oman?

US Central Command said the vessel had been disabled by fire and damage to its engine room, blaming Tehran for the attack. Britain's maritime agency, UKMTO, said the crew abandoned the vessel and took to a lifeboat. The agency placed the incident about 17 kilometres east of Oman's coast.

Why did Iran attack shipping in the Gulf?

The attack came as Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Tehran also launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, framing the strikes as retaliation for renewed US attacks. The fresh violence raised fears of wider escalation across the region's shipping lanes.

What did India say about the vessel attack off Oman?

India's foreign ministry called the attacks on commercial shipping in the region deeply worrisome. It said the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must end immediately. The ministry called for free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways to be restored without delay, in keeping with international law.

How does the attack affect the Middle East ceasefire?

The renewed hostilities threaten an interim agreement meant to end the Middle East war that began on February 28. That conflict started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including one that killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Sunday's attack on GFS Galaxy adds new strain to an already fragile truce.