An Indian seafarer from Gujarat was killed after an Indian-flagged commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on November 2. The remaining 13 crew members were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident involving the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, Oman.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that all 14 crew members aboard the vessel were Indian nationals. Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, he said the Ministry, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Oman and local authorities, was extending assistance to the rescued seafarers and facilitating the early repatriation of the survivors and the mortal remains of the deceased.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the attack, which occurred on the evening of November 2. In an official statement, it said: “We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening.”
The MEA confirmed that 13 Indian nationals had been rescued, while one crew member lost his life after sustaining injuries. The Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with Omani authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued sailors and the mortal remains of Ajij.
Expressing concern over the continuing attacks on commercial shipping, the MEA called for an immediate de-escalation of regional tensions and urged the parties involved in ongoing negotiations to pursue a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding international maritime routes, the ministry said attacks targeting commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must end. It also called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of seafarers operating in increasingly volatile maritime regions and the importance of ensuring the safety of Indian maritime personnel working across international shipping routes.
According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India has 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16 per cent of the global seafarer workforce and ranking second worldwide. Indian officers number 140,718, representing 13.41 per cent of the global officer workforce. Their significant presence across international merchant fleets makes the security of global shipping routes a critical concern for India.
In a related initiative to strengthen maritime security, India and Liberia launched the 25-nation Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026, reflecting growing international efforts to protect commercial shipping and seafarers.