Indian vessel destroyed in alleged attack off Oman coast
All 13 crew members were rescued by fishermen after an unidentified aerial weapon struck the cargo ship on October 29.
An Indian-flagged vessel carrying general cargo was allegedly hit by an unidentified aerial weapon off the coast of Oman on October 29, according to The Times of India. The strike caused a fire that completely destroyed the MSV QUBA (MNV 2183).
The vessel was travelling from Shindagah International Port in the UAE to Bosaso Port in Somalia. It had departed the UAE at 9.08am on October 28, before the incident occurred at approximately 4.30am the following day.
All 13 Indian crew members survived the incident and were rescued by fishermen. The vessel belonged to Abdul Matin Maklai and was under the command of Captain Abdul Majid Tarmamad Karani.
Kasam Jafrabadi, a resident of Mota Salaya in Mandvi, Kutch, submitted a representation to the Union ministry of external affairs on Saturday. Jafrabadi, who is related to the owner and captain, requested a probe and compensation for the losses.
The representation stated that the destruction has caused heavy financial losses for the owner, captain, and crew members. It called for an investigation to identify the weapon and those responsible for the attack.
The family has asked the ministry of external affairs to coordinate with the Oman government and maritime security agencies. Mandvi-Kutch MLA Aniruddha Dave has also expressed concern to the affected families.