Gandhinagar: An Indian-flagged cargo vessel from Gujarat’s Salaya Port  came under attack and sank off the coast of Oman amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region.

The vessel, identified as MSV Haji Ali (BDI 1492), had departed after loading livestock cargo from Barbar Port and was passing near Limah, Oman, around 3:30 am on May 13 when a suspected explosive object,  believed to possibly be a drone or missile  struck the ship. The impact reportedly triggered a massive explosion and fire, causing the vessel to sink in the sea.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday condemned the attack in an official statement, calling it “unacceptable” and expressing concern over repeated targeting of commercial shipping and civilian mariners in international waters.

The MEA stated that all Indian crew members on board were rescued safely and thanked Omani authorities for their swift response. India also reiterated that freedom of navigation and commercial shipping must not be endangered.

Crew rescued safely

There were 14 people aboard the vessel, including one tandel (captain) and 13 sailors. The crew escaped using lifeboats immediately after the blast. The Oman Coast Guard later rescued all crew members and brought them safely to Deeba Port.

Adam Bhaya, General Secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels Association in Salaya, said all sailors are safe and their travel documents were also secured. He added that the Indian government has been requested to facilitate their return to India at the earliest.

Second Salaya-linked ship incident in a week

The latest incident has intensified concerns among Gujarat’s maritime trading community, especially in Salaya, a major traditional shipping hub in the state.

Just days earlier, on May 7, another vessel from Salaya reportedly sank in the Strait of Hormuz during alleged crossfire linked to the ongoing Iran-US tensions. In that incident, one crew member died and three others were injured and taken to Dubai for treatment. Ship owners reportedly suffered losses worth crores of rupees.

The repeated attacks and accidents have created fear among sailors and shipping operators involved in Gulf trade routes.