New Delhi: An Indian seafarer was killed after the bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked near the coast of Oman while sailing towards India, in another
deadly incident involving commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the attack and called for the restoration of safe navigation in the region.
The deceased was identified by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. According to the union, the vessel was struck by two torpedoes — one hit the port-side accommodation area while another struck the hull near the engine room.
19 Indian crew members rescued
The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel had 28 crew members on board. The Indian Embassy in Oman said 19 Indian nationals were among the crew and confirmed that one Indian national had died in the attack. Omani authorities rescued the surviving crew members, with reports saying 27 people were evacuated to safety.
The Indian Embassy said it was coordinating with Omani authorities and the relevant maritime agencies over the safety and repatriation of the Indian crew. Union Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the government would ensure that Yadav’s mortal remains are brought back to India and that support is extended to his family.
MEA condemns attack, calls for safe navigation
The MEA expressed condolences to Yadav’s family and said the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region were ‘deeply worrisome’. It said India remains in contact with Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the surviving Indian seafarers.
The ministry also called for an end to attacks targeting commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, and urged the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region.
The latest attack comes amid continuing risks to merchant vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global energy supplies. The identity of those responsible for the MV Cape Dao attack has not been publicly established in the reports available so far.
