Indian sailor killed as cargo ship carrying 14 Indians comes under attack off Oman

An Indian sailor was killed after an India-flagged cargo vessel carrying 14 Indian seafarers was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on November 2. The vessel, identified as the multi-purpose support ship Al Jusufi, was attacked while navigating Omani waters amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Union Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the death, identifying the deceased sailor as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who hailed from Gujarat. The remaining 13 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard and evacuated safely.

Announcing the incident in a post on X, Sonowal said, "On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries."

The minister expressed condolences to the sailor's family and said the Ministry of Shipping was coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Oman and local authorities to provide assistance to the rescued crew members.

The authorities are also working to facilitate the early return of the 13 survivors to India and repatriate the mortal remains of the deceased sailor. The identity of those behind the attack and the type of weapon used have not yet been established.

Indian sailors killed in Gulf shipping attacks

The latest incident comes amid repeated attacks on merchant vessels operating in the Gulf region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Shipping movements in the region have faced heightened security risks since hostilities between the US and Iran broke out in February.

The attacks have raised concerns over the safety of commercial vessels and their crews navigating the region, which remains a crucial route for global energy supplies. Disruptions to shipping through the Gulf have also added to concerns over energy availability and international trade.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at least 22 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the conflict, including seafarers working on merchant vessels and tankers.

Addressing the issue at a media briefing last month, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers."

New Delhi has also called for collective efforts to ensure the safety and security of seafarers operating in the Gulf waters as tensions continue to affect commercial shipping in the region.