The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically dismissed reports claiming that the vessel Liaki Freedom, carrying Indian crew members, was hit by a military strike and that several sailors had died. The ministry clarified that after directly communicating with the vessel's Master, it was confirmed that all crew members on board are safe and that the reports circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms are entirely false.
In an official statement, the MEA said that it had spoken to the Master of Liaki Freedom, who confirmed that there had been no such incident involving the vessel and that all personnel on board were safe. The ministry stressed that the information being circulated regarding casualties or an attack on the ship was incorrect.
The clarification came after a wave of reports and social media posts claimed that four seafarers had died aboard the tanker while it was operating in the Strait of Hormuz region. These claims quickly gained attention because of the heightened tensions and recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf.
However, sources associated with the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) also rejected the reports after independently verifying the situation with the vessel. According to officials, direct communication was established with the ship's command, which confirmed that no crew members had been injured and that all personnel remained safe.
The false reports emerged at a time when maritime security in the Gulf region remains a major concern. Ongoing hostilities and military activity in the region have led to increased scrutiny of incidents involving merchant vessels, particularly those carrying Indian sailors.
Several unverified claims had surfaced suggesting that Liaki Freedom had come under attack and that fatalities had occurred on board. However, authorities have emphasised that no such attack has been confirmed and that the vessel continues to operate safely.
The government's clarification comes only days after a series of serious maritime incidents involving Indian-linked vessels in the Gulf. These incidents heightened public concern and made reports about ships operating in the region more likely to attract attention.
One of the most significant incidents involved the tanker MT Settebello, which was carrying 24 Indian crew members. During that incident, three Indian sailors lost their lives while the remaining crew members were rescued safely. The deaths prompted a strong diplomatic response from India.
Following the incident, New Delhi lodged a formal protest and summoned the US Chargé d'Affaires. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern over the use of lethal force against civilian shipping and emphasised that attacks on commercial vessels undermine maritime safety, international trade, and regional stability.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also raised the matter directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During their conversation, Jaishankar reiterated India's strong protest regarding attacks that resulted in the deaths of Indian seafarers and stressed that the use of lethal force against commercial shipping was unjustified.
Against this backdrop of heightened tensions and genuine maritime security concerns, the rumours surrounding Liaki Freedom spread rapidly. However, both the MEA and shipping authorities have now made it clear that the vessel has not been attacked, no fatalities have occurred on board, and all crew members remain safe.
Officials have urged caution regarding unverified information related to maritime incidents and emphasised the importance of relying on official confirmations before accepting or sharing such reports. The latest clarification aims to dispel misinformation and reassure the families of seafarers and the public that the crew of Liaki Freedom is safe and unharmed.
