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In light of escalating tensions in the Gulf of Oman, the Indian government firmly rejected reports suggesting that another commercial vessel with an Indian crew had been targeted. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that all Indian nationals aboard the ship are safe and labeled the attack claims as 'false'. Unverified reports had alleged that the oil and chemical tanker, MT Liaki Freedom, flagged under the Marshall Islands, was attacked on Friday night after it ceased communication on VHF (Very High Frequency).

Reports indicated that several Indians were aboard the tanker, raising concerns about potential casualties. However, the Indian government has categorically denied these claims, asserting that all crew members are unharmed.

According to a news agency, the MEA stated, "We have spoken with the captain of Liaki Freedom, who confirmed that all crew members are safe and the information provided is incorrect."

The 'Forward Seamen's Union of India' (FSUI), which represents sailors globally, initially confirmed an attack but later retracted the statement, confirming that the crew of MT Liaki Freedom stated that the tanker was not targeted.

Recent Attacks on Indian Crewed Vessels and India's Strong Response

To date, three vessels with Indian crews have been attacked near the coast of Oman. On June 8, MT Marivex, a tanker flagged under Palau with 24 Indian crew members, was targeted but all were safely rescued by Omani authorities.

On June 10, MT Setebelo, another Palau-flagged tanker with 24 Indian crew members, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of three sailors. The following day, MT Jalveer, a tanker flagged under Guinea-Bissau with 20 Indian sailors, was also attacked, but the crew was safely evacuated.

India has expressed strong opposition to these attacks and has summoned the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Jason Meeks, twice since then. In a statement, India emphasized that such attacks are completely unacceptable and that shipping lanes must remain free and open.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio late Friday night to register India's protest against the attacks. Jaishankar stated on social media, "Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are unacceptable."

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for the attacks, while Tehran has dismissed these allegations as 'entirely baseless' and a 'distraction attempt.'