India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 13 June dismissed as false the widely circulated reports of an attack on the Indian-crewed tanker MT Liaki Freedom sailing off the coast of Oman, confirming that all crew members aboard the vessel are safe. The clarification came after the MEA established direct contact with the ship's master, who personally refuted the claims.

What the MEA Said

An MEA source stated that immediate contact was established with the vessel following reports that triggered alarm given the region's heightened maritime security situation. '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 source said.

The MEA's fact-check unit separately flagged the claim on X (formerly Twitter), posting: 'Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media.' The post tagged a viral claim that had falsely alleged a 'Fourth US strike on Indian-crewed tanker in a week: MT Liaki Freedom hit off Oman, four sailors dead.'

Backdrop: A Region Under Pressure

The false report emerged against a backdrop of genuine and escalating maritime security concerns in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz. Several commercial vessels have been struck in recent weeks, including the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MT Jalveer, which was attacked with 20 Indian seafarers onboard. The commercial ship Settebello, also operating off the Omani coast, was hit in a separate incident that killed three Indian nationals.

Notably, this is at least the third significant maritime incident in the region in recent weeks to involve Indian seafarers, underscoring the acute danger facing Indian nationals working in these high-risk waters.

India's Diplomatic Response

India has responded firmly through diplomatic channels. On Friday, the MEA summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks — reportedly for the second time — to lodge New Delhi's formal protest over continuing attacks on commercial vessels off Oman, which have now claimed the lives of three Indian seafarers. India had earlier lodged a 'strong protest' over these incidents.

The United States acknowledged India's concerns. A US State Department official said on Thursday that Washington is in 'direct contact' with India on the matter and remains engaged with the Indian government.

The Misinformation Dimension

The MEA's swift intervention in the MT Liaki Freedom case highlights a growing challenge: unverified and fabricated reports about maritime attacks spreading rapidly on social media, compounding anxiety among families of Indian seafarers and complicating the government's communication efforts. Officials have urged the public to verify information through official government channels before sharing.

With diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Washington ongoing, and the security situation in the Gulf remaining volatile, the MEA is expected to maintain close monitoring of vessels carrying Indian crew in the region.