Indian seafarer killed as cargo vessel is attacked off Oman coast
Thirteen crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard after an unidentified aerial object struck the MSV Al Jusufi on Monday.
An Indian seafarer from Gujarat was killed after the Indian-flagged cargo vessel MSV Al Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object near Limah, Oman, on Monday, according to reports by Hindustan Times and Moneycontrol.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that the vessel was navigating the coast of Oman at 4pm when the incident occurred. The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Salaya, Devbhumi Dwarka in Gujarat.
The Omani Coast Guard rescued 13 crew members who had evacuated the vessel in a liferaft. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Indian embassy in Oman is coordinating with local authorities to assist the survivors and facilitate the repatriation of the rescued nationals and the body of the deceased.
The MEA condemned the attack and described the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region as deeply concerning. The ministry called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.
This incident brings the total number of Indian citizens killed since the start of the West Asia conflict in February to 23. The conflict was triggered by attacks on Iran by the US and Israel in February.