NEW DELHI, September 24: An Indian seafarer identified as Suraj Yadav of Uttar Pradesh has died from head injuries sustained after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked off the coast of Oman while sailing towards India. The vessel had 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all 19 surviving Indian crew members have been safely evacuated and taken ashore.
Suraj Yadav Succumbs to Head Injuries
Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that Yadav died from head injuries suffered during the attack.
Yadav, who hailed from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, was working as a wiper aboard MV Cape Dao. The government has said his mortal remains will be brought back to India and assistance will be provided to his family.
27 Crew Members Rescued by Royal Navy of Oman
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said a Royal Navy of Oman vessel evacuated 27 surviving crew members from the ship and provided them with necessary medical assistance.
Of the 28 people reported aboard MV Cape Dao, 20 were Indian nationals. Nineteen Indian crew members survived and were among those evacuated, while Yadav died following the attack.
The survivors are currently ashore in Oman, and Indian authorities are coordinating their repatriation.
Attack Causes Fire in Engine Room
According to Oman’s Maritime Security Centre, the attack occurred off Musandam Governorate and caused a fire in the ship’s engine room.
Maritime and seafarers’ organisations have reported that the vessel was struck by two projectiles or torpedoes on its port side, affecting the accommodation area and engine room. Those details have been reported by maritime sources and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India, while the attacker has not been officially identified.
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and expressed condolences to Yadav’s family.
The ministry said the continuing attacks on commercial ships in the region are deeply concerning and called for the targeting of commercial shipping, civilian infrastructure and seafarers to end.
India also reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and urged the restoration of free and unhindered navigation and commerce through international waterways.
Indian Embassy Coordinating With Oman
The Indian Embassy in Muscat is working closely with Omani authorities, the recruitment and placement services agency and the ship management company.
Officials are focused on ensuring the safe and early return of the surviving Indian seafarers while maintaining contact with Yadav’s family.
Sonowal said maritime authorities have also been instructed to coordinate with all relevant parties to arrange the crew’s immediate repatriation.
Attacker Has Not Been Identified
No country or armed group had publicly claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting.
The incident occurred amid continuing regional conflict and repeated attacks on merchant shipping around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, raising concern about the safety of civilian crews operating through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
Officials have therefore avoided attributing responsibility while investigations and maritime-security assessments continue.
Growing Concern Over Safety of Indian Seafarers
India has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of its nationals working aboard commercial vessels in conflict-affected waters.
According to MEA data cited by The Indian Express, 10 Indian seafarers have died during the wider West Asia conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also proposed a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” at the recent BRICS Leaders’ Summit to improve protection for merchant-ship personnel during crises.
The latest attack has renewed calls for stronger protection, emergency evacuation arrangements and safe passage for merchant vessels operating in the region.
source – Ministry of External Affairs / Indian Embassy in Oman / Oman Maritime Security Centre / The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
