Indian Sailor Killed After Merchant Ship Hit by Torpedoes Near Oman Coast

An Indian sailor lost his life on Wednesday following an attack on a merchant ship off the coast of Oman, which was reportedly struck by two torpedoes. This event marks the latest fatal incident impacting Middle East shipping, though neither the US nor Iran has claimed responsibility for the strike.

The vessel, named the MV Cape Dao, sailed under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda and carried a total of 28 crew members. According to Oman's Maritime Security Centre, the strike caused a fire in the engine room and resulted in the death of one crew member. An Omani warship intervened to rescue the bulk carrier, successfully saving 27 individuals and providing them with medical assistance.

The attack occurred 4.6km off Musandam, an Omani exclave sharing a border with the UAE. The Indian embassy in Muscat expressed profound sadness over the death of its citizen, noting that 19 crew members were Indian nationals. Meanwhile, the Forward Seamen's Union of India identified the deceased sailor as Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, stating that two torpedoes impacted the engine room and the sailors' accommodation.

In a formal letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the union claimed its members were facing severe dangers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, urging for escorts from Indian vessels. The International Maritime Organisation reports that at least 23 sailors have died since the conflict began in February. Previous incidents include attacks by Iranian forces during blockades of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil trade route between Iran and Gulf states—as well as US military strikes during blockades of Iranian ports ordered by President Donald Trump. Additionally, ships navigating the other side of the Arabian Peninsula have faced assaults from Houthi rebels in Yemen.