Oman's Maritime Security Center reported Sunday that 23 crew members were rescued from a commercial vessel that was struck off the sultanate's eastern coast, while search operations continue for one missing crew member. The incident occurred amid escalating exchanges of fire between Iran and the United States.
Rescue operation details
The Maritime Security Center received a distress call from the Cypriot-flagged GFS Galaxy 4.4 nautical miles off the coast of Musandam Governorate. "Twenty-three crew members were rescued and provided with necessary medical care. Search operations are continuing for one crew member who remains missing," the center stated.
US Central Command confirmed the ship was disabled by fire and damage to its engine room, accusing Tehran of attacking it. The British maritime agency UKMTO reported that the crew had abandoned ship and were on a lifeboat approximately 17 kilometers (10 miles) east of Oman.
Indian nationals among crew
India's foreign ministry said of 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 had been rescued, with one still missing. The ministry described the attacks on commercial shipping in the region as "deeply worrisome." It called for an end to "the targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region" and urged that "free and unimpeded navigation... through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest."
Broader regional context
The attack came as Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbors in retaliation for new US strikes. The exchange of fire threatens an interim agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war, which began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including one that killed former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
