Indian seafarer killed in ship attack off Oman, 19 rescued
An Indian seafarer was killed after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao came under attack off the east coast of Oman while sailing towards India, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that one Indian national was killed in the attack and said it was coordinating with Omani authorities.
The MEA said 19 Indian seafarers on board were rescued, while one Indian national "tragically lost his life". The ministry expressed condolences to the victim's family.
MV Cape Dao attacked off Oman
The vessel was attacked while transiting towards India, with Omani authorities carrying out an evacuation operation for the crew. Oman Observer reported that 27 crew members were rescued after the vessel was targeted off the Musandam Governorate and that the attack caused a fire in the engine room.
FSUI said the ship had 28 crew members, including 20 Indians, and claimed that it was struck by two torpedoes on the port side. According to the union, one hit the C-deck accommodation area while another struck the hull near the engine room. These details have not been independently confirmed by Indian authorities.
There is a discrepancy in the reported number of Indian crew members: the Indian Embassy said 19 Indian nationals were aboard, while FSUI put the figure at 20.
MEA condemns attack
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and said India's embassy in Muscat was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued Indian seafarers.
The ministry described the continued attacks on commercial shipping as "deeply worrisome" and renewed India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions.
It also said commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways in the region.
#BREAKING: Yet another Indian seafarer killed in an attack on commercial vessel MV Cape Deo earlier today off the coast of Oman. 19 Indians rescued, one tragically killed. India condemns the attack. India calls for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. https://t.co/c254Zuh5TF
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 23, 2026
FSUI demands accountability
Following the attack, FSUI demanded accountability and greater protection for Indian seafarers travelling through the region.
The union said civilian seafarers should not be exposed to the risks associated with the ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and called for justice for Yadav and other seafarers who remain at risk.
The identity of those responsible for the attack has not been established in the official statements cited above.
Reuters reported that the Indian Embassy confirmed the death and that Omani authorities evacuated the crew, without identifying the attacker.
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