An Indian-flagged cargo vessel came under attack off the coast of Oman on Monday, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. He confirmed that one Indian seafarer was killed in the incident, while the remaining 13 Indians aboard the vessel were safe.
“The Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard,” wrote Sonowal on X.
IMPORTANT UPDATE On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief. The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer.
The minister said one of the seafarers succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Gujarat.
With this latest casualty, the number of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict has risen to at least 23. India has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks on vessels and called for coordinated international efforts to protect seafarers.
Sonowal said the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to the 13 survivors. He added that the ministry was working to ensure the early repatriation of the surviving crew members and the mortal remains of the deceased seafarer.
MEA condemns the attack
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly condemned the attack on commercial vessel MSV Al Jusufi off the coast of Oman. In a statement, the MEA confirmed that one Indian national was killed and 13 others were rescued. The MEA has called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region.
MEA also called for the de-escalation of tensions and conclusion of ongoing negotiations for diplomatic solution.
Attacks on Indian-flagged vessels during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran have been relatively uncommon.
Earlier in May, an Indian-owned vessel sank in Omani waters following an attack by an unidentified aerial object. The Ministry of External Affairs had strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable”.
Recent attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew members
On October 30, a Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers came under attack using limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The explosion triggered a fire in the engine room, which was subsequently brought under control.
Earlier, on October 11, two vessels carrying Indian crew members were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin was hit by a drone near Sohar, Oman, leaving two Indian seafarers missing. Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera, which had 11 Indian crew members on board, was struck by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz.
