The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically denied viral social media reports alleging that the United States bombed an Indian oil tanker, resulting in the deaths of four Indian crew members. The claims, which spread rapidly online, were attributed to a news outlet called India Sentinel and included dramatic accounts from a supposed sailor who stated that bodies were stored in the ship's freezer after the attack.
MEA Swiftly Rebuts Allegations
India's Ministry of External Affairs moved quickly to counter the misinformation. Officials confirmed that they had directly contacted the Master of the vessel, MT Liaki Freedom, who verified that all crew members were safe and that the reported attack never occurred. The MEA labeled the claims as completely false.
Additional Authorities Confirm Safety
The Directorate General of Shipping also rejected the allegations, corroborating the MEA's statement. Furthermore, the Forward Seamen's Union of India reported that they had successfully tracked the vessel after a brief period of lost communication, confirming the well-being of all personnel on board.
Background of the Incident
The false reports emerged amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with earlier claims suggesting a confrontation between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the alleged killing of Indian sailors. However, the MEA's clarification has put these rumors to rest, emphasizing that no such incident took place.
Social Media Amplification
The baseless story gained traction on social media platforms, with many users sharing the alarming news without verification. The MEA's prompt response underscores the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information, especially during periods of geopolitical sensitivity.
