Goa, June 11 -- India on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, expressing deep concern over the safety of the Indian crew members aboard and the escalating security situation in the region.

In a significant diplomatic move, New Delhi issued a demarche to the United States' top diplomat in the national capital following the incident.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said the vessel was carrying 24 Indian crew members at the time of the attack. Of them, 21 have been rescued, while three Indians are reportedly still missing.

"We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 ...