A tragic incident unfolded early Wednesday when the Indian mechanized sailing vessel (MSV) Haji Ali, a dhow traveling from Somalia to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, sank after coming under attack in Omani waters. The vessel, which was carrying cargo, was targeted, sparking a fire that ultimately led to its sinking. The attack has been condemned by the Indian government, which described the act as unacceptable.
Attack Details and Response
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, India strongly deplores the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian mariners. The ministry emphasized that such actions, which impede freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided. Government sources indicated that it remains unclear who was responsible for the attack on the dhow.
Rescue Operation
Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, confirmed that all 14 crew members on board the Haji Ali were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. The crew has reached Dibba port in Oman and is reported to be safe. Necessary formalities with local authorities have been completed. Dhows, which carry cargo, are not regulated like larger vessels, the official noted.
India-bound Ships Navigate Strait of Hormuz
In a separate development, two India-bound ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) successfully crossed the strife-hit Strait of Hormuz. The first, a Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier named Symi, transited the strait on Wednesday evening. It is proceeding with 21 crew members, including eight Ukrainians and 13 Filipinos, and is carrying 19,965 tonnes of LPG. The tanker is estimated to reach Deen Dayal port in Kandla on Saturday.
The second vessel, the Vietnam-flagged NV Sunshine, which is carrying 46,427 tonnes of cooking gas, completed its transit through the strait on Thursday morning. It is heading to New Mangalore port and is expected to arrive on May 18. With these two ships, the total number of such vessels that have crossed the strait has reached 13, according to the Shipping Ministry.
The Indian government continues to monitor the situation closely and reiterates its call for the safety of commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the region.
