Gujarat vessel destroyed in attack off Oman coast; 13 crew rescued

Ahmedabad: An Indian-flagged vessel carrying general cargo from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Somalia was allegedly struck by an unidentified aerial weapon off the coast of Oman on Oct 29 and engulfed in a fire that destroyed it completely. All 13 Indian crew members were rescued, while the vessel’s owner and crew members from Gujarat have incurred substantial financial losses.In a representation submitted to the Union ministry of external affairs on Saturday, Kasam Jafrabadi, a resident of Mota Salaya in Mandvi, Kutch, called for a probe into the incident and compensation for the loss of the vessel, MSV QUBA (MNV 2183).The representation said the vessel belonged to Abdul Matin Maklai and was captained by Abdul Majid Tarmamad Karani. It was transporting general cargo from Shindagah International Port in the UAE to Bosaso Port in Somalia.The vessel left the UAE on Oct 28 at 9.08am UAE time. The alleged attack took place at about 4.30am UAE time the next day off the Oman coast.The strike sparked a blaze, which completely destroyed the vessel, the representation said.Jafrabadi, who is related to the vessel’s owner and captain, said the 13 crew members survived after fishermen rescued them.The representation expressed gratitude to the fishermen for their help, while drawing attention to the financial consequences of the incident for the vessel’s owner, captain, crew members and their families.“The vessel’s destruction has resulted in heavy financial losses and affected the livelihoods of its owner, captain, crew members and several families who depend on the vessel’s commercial operations,” the representation said.The family has asked the ministry of external affairs to intervene and coordinate with the Oman govt and maritime security agencies to ensure an impartial investigation. It has also called for the weapon used in the attack, as well as the individuals or organisations behind it, to be identified.The representation urged diplomatic action to safeguard Indian maritime interests and ensure the security of Indian nationals involved in international trade.It also called for an evaluation of the financial damage and compensation from those responsible, the countries concerned and insurance companies.The family has sought financial aid and rehabilitation assistance for the 13 crew members and their families, besides information about the investigation.Mandvi-Kutch MLA Aniruddha Dave had reached out to the affected families in Mota Salaya, expressed concern and assured them that a representation would be submitted to the authorities concerned, the letter said.The family has appealed to the Centre to fix legal responsibility and ensure that the probe proceeds beyond its preliminary findings.The representation said the incident was not just a financial setback but had also raised questions about the safety of Indian nationals and an Indian-flagged vessel on a lawful international voyage.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in AhmedabadStay updated with the latest Ahmedabad news. Download the TOI App.