Indian Sailor Killed in Drone Attack Near Oman Coast
An Indian sailor died after a drone strike hit the MSV Al Jusufi near Oman. 13 crew members were rescued as the vessel sank off the coast.
An Indian sailor killed in a drone attack near the coast of Oman has sparked fresh concerns regarding maritime security in the region. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of November 2, 2026, when the Indian-flagged Mechanised Sailing Vessel (MSV) Al Jusufi was struck by what is suspected to be an unidentified aerial projectile, such as a drone or missile.
The Strike on MSV Al Jusufi
The vessel had departed from Hamriyah Port in the UAE on October 31, en route to Porbandar in Gujarat, India. At the time of the strike, the ship was transporting approximately 900 to 950 metric tonnes of fresh dates and was manned by a crew of 14 Indian nationals.
The projectile impacted the port side of the vessel, specifically hitting the area near the engine room and the cabin. The impact caused immediate damage and chaos on board as the ship struggled to stay afloat.
A Young Life Lost
Among the crew was Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a sailor aged between 21 and 25 from the Salaya region in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat. He was manning the wheel at the moment of the strike and sustained severe injuries to his left leg, shoulder, and hand.
Although he remained conscious immediately following the impact, he tragically succumbed to his injuries around 6 p.m. IST while being transferred for medical care. Due to procedural delays, his family has decided to conduct his burial in Oman.
Rescue Operations and Total Vessel Loss
The remaining 13 crew members managed to evacuate to a lifeboat and were successfully rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. However, the MSV Al Jusufi could not be saved; the vessel caught fire and subsequently sank.
Because the ship was reportedly uninsured, the total loss of the vessel and its cargo is estimated to be between Rs 1 crore and Rs 3 crore.
Rising Regional Tensions and Casualties
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has formally condemned the attack, calling for the restoration of free navigation and diplomatic de-escalation. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, also expressed his condolences, confirming that the Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman are coordinating efforts to assist the survivors and repatriate the deceased.
This incident highlights a growing pattern of violence in the West Asia conflict:
- This marks the 23rd death of an Indian national in the region since February 2026.
- Approximately 15 of these fatalities have been seafarers.
- This is the fourth attack on a Gujarat-based MSV since February 28, following similar incidents involving the MSC Al Faiz Sulemani, MSV Al Haji Ali, and MSV Quba.
The Indian Sailing Vessels Association (ISVA) has requested the Iranian Ambassador to implement urgent safety measures, including requiring vessels to transit only during daylight hours and enhancing vessel identification protocols. The attack occurred amidst a period of heightened regional instability, coinciding with U.S. strikes on Iranian targets on the same day.