An Indian seafarer was killed after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack while transiting towards India off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. The deceased was identified by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was closely monitoring the incident and coordinating with Omani authorities over the safety of the crew. The Embassy said 19 Indian nationals were aboard, while FSUI reported that the vessel had 28 crew members, including 20 Indians.
According to FSUI, the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, with one hitting the port side of the C-deck accommodation area and another striking the hull near the engine room. Omani authorities rescued the surviving crew members and provided medical assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said 19 Indian seafarers were rescued, including the 18 Indian crew members who survived the attack, and that the Embassy was coordinating with Omani authorities for their early repatriation. New Delhi thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased.
The MEA said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region were deeply concerning and called for an end to attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, along with the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways.