India, May 14 -- An Indian-flagged cargo vessel from Gujarat sank off the coast of Oman after being struck by a suspected drone or missile, prompting a strong response from the Government of India and raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the Gulf region.

All 14 Indian crew members aboard the vessel were rescued safely by Omani authorities.

The vessel, Haji Ali, was registered at Salaya Port in Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat and was transporting livestock from Berbera in Somalia to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.

According to reports, the ship was sailing near Limah on Oman's northern coast at around 3:30 am on Wednesday when it was hit by an unidentified explosive object.

The impact caused a fire on board and de...