Indian Seafarer Dies After Cargo Ship Comes Under Attack Near Oman

New Delhi, November 3: An Indian seafarer from Gujarat lost his life after an Indian-flagged cargo vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was hit by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman. Thirteen other Indian crew members were safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard following the incident.

The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Salaya in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed his death and expressed grief over the incident.

According to the minister, the vessel was struck while sailing near the Omani coastline at around 4 p.m. on Monday. All 14 crew members abandoned the damaged vessel and escaped in a liferaft. However, Ajij succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital at Khasab Port.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed condolences to the bereaved family and raised concerns over the repeated attacks on commercial vessels in West Asia. It called for an immediate reduction in regional tensions and urged all concerned parties to pursue diplomatic negotiations to restore peace and stability.

The ministry also stressed that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop, while safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways must be ensured in accordance with international law.

A report by the Directorate of Maritime Administration stated that Al Jusufi had departed from Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates on October 31, bound for Porbandar in Gujarat. The vessel had 14 Indian crew members on board when it was attacked.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the early return of the rescued seafarers and repatriation of the deceased’s body to India.

The incident comes amid continuing maritime security concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which began in February following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.

According to the available figures, 23 Indians have lost their lives in the conflict so far, including 15 seafarers. Several other Indian sailors have also been reported missing following attacks on commercial vessels.

India has more than 3.2 lakh seafarers, making it the second-largest seafaring workforce globally after the Philippines. More than 18,000 Indian seafarers are currently serving on vessels operating in the West Asia region.