Factcheck: Was Indian-Crewed Vessel Liaki Freedom Hit by Missiles in the Gulf of Oman?

Claim

Social media posts and several reports claimed that the vessel Liaki Freedom, carrying Indian crew members, was struck by missiles in the Gulf of Oman amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Some posts even alleged that Indian sailors were killed in the attack.

Verdict

FactCheck India found that the claim is false.

What Factcheck India Found

The claim surfaced amid heightened security concerns in the Gulf region following recent incidents involving commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members. According to viral reports, the vessel Liaki Freedom was allegedly struck by missiles while operating near the Gulf of Oman. Some social media accounts further claimed that multiple sailors had been killed. However, the Ministry of External Affairs quickly clarified the situation. In its official statement, the ministry said:

“We have spoken with the Master of the vessel Liaki Freedom, who has confirmed that all crew members are safe and that the reported information is false.”

Subsequent reports from multiple media organizations also confirmed that no attack on the vessel had been verified. Audio communications reportedly exchanged with the vessel further indicated that there was no fire, damage, or casualty aboard the ship. Authorities confirmed that the vessel remained operational and that all crew members were accounted for.

Why Did The Claim Spread?

The false reports emerged during a period of increased maritime tensions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier incidents involving commercial ships with Indian crew members had already raised concerns about maritime safety in the region. As a result, unverified reports regarding Liaki Freedom quickly gained attention online before official confirmation was available. Experts warn that during conflict situations, misinformation often spreads rapidly through social media platforms, making official verification essential before sharing such claims.

Conclusion

FactCheck India found no evidence that the vessel Liaki Freedom was hit by missiles or attacked in the Gulf of Oman.The Ministry of External Affairs has officially confirmed that all crew members aboard the vessel are safe and that reports of a military strike are false. Therefore, the viral claim is False.