The Ministry of External Affairs has refuted claims of an assault on the Indian-crewed tanker, MT Liaki Freedom, near Oman, ensuring that all crew members are unharmed. Following recent incidents in the Gulf region, the MEA promptly verified the situation by directly contacting the vessel’s master.
A MEA source stated that communication with the ship’s Master confirmed the safety of all crew members and debunked the alleged attack. This clarification dispelled concerns of a new assault and emphasized the prevalence of false information and unverified reports on social media.
Amid escalating worries over misinformation in maritime security incidents involving Indian seafarers, the MEA’s fact-check unit labeled the claim as fake. The government’s swift response underscores the growing apprehension surrounding such incidents near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
In response to recent attacks on commercial vessels, including the MT Jalveer with Indian seafarers onboard, the MEA summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to express New Delhi’s discontent. India has strongly protested against the attacks near Oman, which resulted in the loss of three Indian seafarers’ lives.
