MaritimeSecurity – India Rejects False Claims Over Crew Casualties on Liaki Freedom
MaritimeSecurity – India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed reports suggesting that Indian nationals were killed in an attack involving the vessel Liaki Freedom near Oman, stating that the information circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms was inaccurate. The ministry confirmed that officials directly contacted the ship’s captain, who verified that every crew member aboard the vessel was safe.
MEA Issues Clarification on Vessel Reports
In an official statement released on Saturday, the MEA said it had spoken with the master of the Liaki Freedom and received confirmation that all personnel on board were unharmed. The ministry described earlier claims regarding casualties as false and urged the public to rely on verified information from official sources.
The clarification came after reports emerged alleging that Indian crew members had lost their lives during an overnight incident involving the vessel in waters near Oman. Authorities later confirmed that those reports did not reflect the actual situation.
Social Media Users Advised to Verify Information
The MEA’s fact-checking division also addressed the issue publicly, cautioning people against sharing unverified content online. Officials emphasized the importance of checking the authenticity of information before circulating it, particularly when it concerns the safety of seafarers and international maritime incidents.
According to maritime tracking data, the Liaki Freedom is a tanker registered under the Marshall Islands flag and operates in international waters.
India Raises Concerns Over Maritime Attacks
The clarification regarding Liaki Freedom came amid growing concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region. Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that he had spoken with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding recent incidents affecting commercial shipping.
During the discussion, Jaishankar conveyed India’s strong objections to actions that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners. He stressed that attacks causing loss of life aboard commercial vessels were unacceptable and should not occur under any circumstances.
Three Indian Seafarers Killed in Gulf Incident
The diplomatic exchange followed a deadly strike involving the commercial tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel reportedly came under attack on Wednesday after US authorities accused it of breaching restrictions linked to maritime operations involving Iranian ports.
Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued successfully. However, three sailors were later confirmed dead, prompting a strong response from Indian authorities.
Diplomatic Protest Lodged by India
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to formally register India’s protest over the continuing attacks targeting commercial vessels near Oman. Officials expressed concern over the deteriorating security environment affecting international shipping routes.
The move followed another incident involving a commercial ship carrying 20 Indian crew members. It marked the second occasion on which India called in representatives of the US mission to discuss the escalating maritime situation in the region.
Efforts Underway to Repatriate Victims
The MEA has identified the three Indian seafarers who lost their lives aboard MT Settebello and stated that arrangements are being made to bring their remains back to India as quickly as possible.
Government officials also noted that the vessels involved in the recent incidents were operating under foreign flags. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely while engaging with international partners to ensure the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial ships in the Gulf and surrounding waters