MUSCAT / NEW DELHI — A young Indian seafarer lost his life and 19 others were rescued after a commercial bulk carrier came under a missile attack off the coast of Oman while heading toward India.
The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel, MV Cape Dao, was transiting international waters near the Strait of Hormuz when it was struck. The projectile hit the ship, causing significant damage and triggering a fire in the engine room area.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Suraj Yadav, a wiper hailing from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav, who had joined the merchant navy recently, succumbed to severe head injuries sustained during the high-impact strike.
Following the strike, the Royal Navy of Oman launched a rescue mission in coordination with local maritime security authorities, successfully evacuating all 27 crew members—including 19 Indian nationals—and bringing them safely ashore. Upon reaching the mainland, the evacuated seafarers received immediate medical evaluation and emergency support.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal directed Indian maritime authorities to coordinate closely with Omani officials and the ship management company to ensure the swift repatriation of the surviving crew and the dignified return of Yadav's mortal remains to India.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of the strike, expressing deep concern over the recurring threats to civilian maritime traffic.
"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome," the MEA stated. "We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable the early return of peace to the region, ensuring free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways."
The Indian Embassy in Muscat remains in contact with Omani authorities and the victim's family as arrangements is made to transport the surviving seafarers and the deceased back to India.
This latest incident highlights the escalating vulnerabilities faced by international merchant crews navigating high-risk transit zones across the region. Maritime industry groups have repeatedly urged international security coalitions to bolster naval patrols and defensive coverage, warning that unabated targeted strikes endanger global supply chains and put innocent seafarers directly in harm's way.
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