A 26-year-old Indian seafarer was killed after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack off the east coast of Oman on Wednesday. Nineteen other Indian crew members were rescued and brought ashore by the Royal Navy of Oman.
The deceased seafarer has been identified as Suraj Yadav from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. According to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Yadav suffered fatal head injuries in the attack.
The vessel had 20 Indian seafarers among its crew. The Indian government has begun coordinating with Omani authorities and the ship management company for the safe return of the surviving crew and the repatriation of Yadav’s mortal remains.
MV Cape Dao Attacked Off Oman Coast
The MV Cape Dao was travelling towards India when it was attacked off the Omani coast. Oman’s authorities said the vessel was targeted around 25 nautical miles off Musandam Governorate, with the attack causing a fire in the engine room. A total of 27 crew members were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, including 19 Indian nationals.
Reports have described the attack as involving a missile or torpedoes, but the identity of those responsible has not been established. The Indian Embassy in Oman said it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities over the safety and repatriation of the Indian crew.
India Seeks Safe Return Of Surviving Crew
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolences over Yadav’s death and said instructions had been issued to maritime authorities to coordinate with the Omani authorities and the ship management company.
The government has also assured that Yadav’s mortal remains will be brought back to India with dignity and that necessary assistance will be extended to his family.
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and said the continued targeting of commercial shipping in the region was deeply concerning. It called for an end to attacks against commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure and reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions.
MEA Calls For Safe Navigation In International Waters
The Indian Embassy in Oman said it was in contact with the Omani authorities regarding the crew and was coordinating with the relevant agencies for their return.
The MEA also stressed the importance of maintaining free and uninterrupted navigation and commercial movement through international waterways in the region.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating on commercial vessels through maritime routes affected by regional tensions. The immediate focus remains on bringing the 19 surviving Indian crew members home safely and returning Suraj Yadav’s remains to his family in Uttar Pradesh.
