One Indian national was killed after the vessel MV Cape Dao was attacked while sailing towards India, the Indian Embassy in Oman said on Wednesday. The embassy said it was closely following the situation and working with Omani authorities to ensure the safety of all crew members on board, including 19 Indian nationals.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in this attack. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the Embassy of India in Muscat said in a post on X. The mission added that it was coordinating with the RPSL and remained in contact with the deceased's family.
The attack occurred while the vessel was travelling towards India. The embassy said it continued to monitor developments and coordinate with Omani authorities regarding the safety of the crew.
India strongly condemned the incident on Wednesday and said 19 Indian seafarers had been rescued, including the 18 Indian crew members who survived the attack.
INDIA CONDEMNS ATTACK ON COMMERCIAL VESSEL
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman was working with local authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued Indian seafarers.
New Delhi also thanked Omani authorities for their assistance and expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the Indian national who died. The MEA said the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the region were deeply concerning and reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and help restore peace in the region.
The ministry stressed that attacks targeting commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must stop. It also called for the earliest restoration of unrestricted navigation and commercial activity through international waterways in the region.
SEAFARERS' UNION IDENTIFIES DECEASED
The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) identified the deceased as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh.
“Another Indian seafarer killed,” the union said, stating that Yadav died after MV Cape Dao came under attack while heading towards India.
According to the FSUI, the vessel had 28 crew members, including 20 Indians. This number differs from the figure of 19 Indian nationals provided by the Indian Embassy.
TWO TORPEDOES HIT VESSEL
The FSUI said the vessel was struck by two torpedoes. One reportedly hit the port side of the C-deck accommodation area, while the second struck the port-side hull close to the engine room.
The union said the incident had endangered civilian seafarers in and around the Strait of Hormuz and demanded immediate accountability, safe passage and justice for Yadav and other Indian seafarers who remain at risk.
The FSUI said assurances were insufficient and alleged that civilian seafarers were being killed in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
