The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday dismissed reports claiming that Indian crew members had been killed in an attack on the vessel Liaki Freedom near Oman, stating that all those on board were safe.

In a clarification, the ministry said it had established contact with the master of the vessel, who confirmed that the reports circulating on social media and in sections of the media were false.

“We have spoken with the Master of the vessel Liaki Freedom, who has confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the reported information is false,” the MEA said.

According to vessel tracking platforms, Liaki Freedom is a Marshall Islands-flagged tankship. The clarification came after claims emerged overnight suggesting that Indian sailors had been killed in an attack on the vessel off the coast of Oman.

MEA Issues Fact Check Amid False Reports

The MEA’s Fact Check division also urged people to remain cautious and avoid spreading unverified information.

In a post on X, the ministry warned against false and baseless claims being circulated on social media and reiterated that all crew members aboard the vessel were safe.

Fake News Alert!

Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media. pic.twitter.com/Xn8I65LdKu

— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) June 13, 2026

The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf region and growing concerns over the safety of merchant shipping routes.

Over the past week, several vessels carrying Indian crew members have been involved in incidents in waters around Oman, prompting Indian authorities to maintain close monitoring of the situation.

Jaishankar Raises Issue With Marco Rubio

Earlier on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India’s strong protest over US Navy attacks in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners.

In a post on X, Jaishankar described the use of lethal force against commercial shipping as unjustified.

“Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” he said.

His remarks followed the deaths of three Indian sailors aboard the tanker MT Settebello after a US military strike off the coast of Oman. Of the 24 Indian crew members on board, 21 were rescued while three were later confirmed dead.

India Maintains High Alert Over Maritime Security

On Friday, the MEA summoned US Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks and lodged a strong protest over attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region.

The ministry had earlier identified the three deceased sailors from MT Settebello and said efforts were underway to bring their mortal remains back to India at the earliest.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the vessels involved in the recent incidents were foreign-flagged ships and stressed the need to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers operating in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.

With concerns over maritime security intensifying, the government has directed relevant agencies to remain on high alert and coordinate closely with the Indian Navy, shipping companies and international authorities to safeguard Indian crew members and commercial shipping routes.

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