An Indian national has died after torpedoes struck a vessel sailing off the east coast of Oman on its way to India. The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed the incident and said it was working closely with Omani authorities to ensure the safety of all crew members aboard, including 19 Indian nationals. The vessel, carrying 28 crew members in total, has been identified as MV Cape Dao.
In a post on X, the embassy said, “We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals.” It added, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in this attack. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Mission is coordinating with the RPSL and is in touch with the family of the deceased.”
MEA Calls Attacks “Deeply Worrisome”
The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the commercial vessel in a statement, confirming that of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 had been rescued while one lost his life. “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman… We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities for early repatriation of the Indian seafarers. We thank the Omani authorities for their support,” the ministry said.
It further stated that the continuing pattern of attacks on commercial shipping in the region was “deeply worrisome,” and reiterated calls for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. “The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region must be restored at the earliest,” the statement added.
FSUI Demands Accountability, Justice
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) raised concern over the attack, calling for accountability, safe passage and justice for Indian seafarers amid the ongoing tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz. “Another Indian seafarer killed,” the union said in a post on X, identifying the deceased as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, who died after the MV Cape Dao came under attack while sailing toward India.
FSUI also shared additional details about the vessel and the nature of the attack, stating that the ship carried 28 crew members, 20 of them Indian, and was struck by two torpedoes — one on the port side C-deck accommodation area and another on the port side hull near the engine room. “Assurances mean nothing. Innocent civilian seafarers are being slaughtered in and around Hormuz,” the union said, adding that it “demands immediate accountability, safe passage, and justice for Suraj Yadav and every Indian seafarer still at risk.”
UK Maritime Agency Reports Cargo Vessel Struck
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a cargo vessel had been struck in the Hormuz region by an “unknown projectile” on Wednesday, September 23, resulting in a fire and two casualties. “The Company Security Officer of a cargo vessel reports being struck by an unknown projectile. The vessel is on fire and adrift,” the agency said, adding that all crew members had been evacuated, with two casualties reported.
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