Bahrain condemns attack on commercial vessel off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman

The Kingdom of Bahrain expressed its strong condemnation and rejection yesterday of the attack targeting the commercial vessel “Kip Daw” off the coast of the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, which resulted in the death of an Indian sailor and injured others. The incident constitutes a serious assault that threatens the security and safety of maritime navigation and commercial vessels in the region.

In a statement, the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the Kingdom’s sincere condolences and sympathies to the government and people of India, as well as to the family and relatives of the deceased sailor, and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. It also commended the efforts of the competent authorities in the neighboring Sultanate of Oman and the work carried out by the Omani Navy in evacuating the ship’s crew and providing them with necessary medical care.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s firm position calling for the assurance and guarantee of freedom and safety of maritime navigation and the movement of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways. It rejected the targeting of commercial ships and civilians, and emphasized the need to comply with the rules of international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the International Maritime Organization. These measures are essential to safeguard energy security, stabilize supply chains, ensure the smooth flow of global trade, and contribute to consolidating security, stability, and peace in the region and worldwide.

Earlier today, Wednesday, the Omani Maritime Security Center announced the evacuation of the crew of a ship flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda after it was targeted 2.5 nautical miles from Musandam Governorate, which overlooks the Strait of Hormuz.