UAE Condemns Attack On Indian-Flagged Ship Off Oman, Calls It A “Terrorist Attack”

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned an attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman, calling it a “terrorist attack” and warning that it threatens the security of international shipping routes.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over maritime safety near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil and trade routes through which nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies pass.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack represented “a grave threat to the security of international navigation” and described it as a dangerous escalation targeting the stability of vital waterways used by international shipping and oil trade.

The attacked vessel, MSV Haji Ali BDI 1492, was a mechanised sailing cargo vessel registered at Salaya Port in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district. It was travelling from Berbera in Somalia to Sharjah in the UAE.

The vessel measured around 57 metres in length and 14 metres in width and was reportedly carrying livestock cargo at the time of the incident.

According to reports, the vessel came under a suspected drone or missile attack near Limah in Oman during the early hours of May 13. A large explosion at around 3.30 am local time caused a fire that quickly spread onboard.

The vessel later sank in Omani waters after the fire intensified.

All 14 crew members onboard were rescued safely by the Oman Coast Guard after escaping through lifeboats. They were taken to Dibba Port in Oman.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian seafarers as “unacceptable” and said freedom of navigation and maritime trade must be protected.

The UAE expressed solidarity with India and said it fully supports measures aimed at protecting Indian vessels and maritime interests.

The UAE foreign ministry also said the attack violated UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which supports freedom of navigation and rejects attacks on commercial vessels and international shipping routes.

It added that targeting merchant ships and using the Strait of Hormuz for “economic coercion or blackmail” amounted to acts of piracy and posed a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.

Officials have not yet confirmed who carried out the attack.

The incident comes at a time of rising tensions in the Gulf region following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Commercial shipping around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman has faced growing security risks since the regional conflict escalated earlier this year.

Per reports, at least two other Indian-flagged vessels have been attacked since the conflict began.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

An estimated 20% of global oil shipments pass through the narrow waterway, making disruptions in the region a major concern for tanker operators, energy markets, insurers and global supply chains.

Authorities in India and Oman remain in contact as investigations into the incident continue,.

Reference: UAE Government