Indian Sailor Killed in Aerial Attack Near Oman Coast
A 25-year-old Indian sailor died after an aerial strike hit a cargo dhow near Oman. 13 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
A tragic aerial strike near the coast of Oman has claimed the life of a 25-year-old Indian sailor, highlighting the escalating dangers facing commercial shipping in the region.
The incident occurred on November 2, 2026, when the MSV Al Jusufi, an Indian-flagged cargo dhow, was struck by an unidentified aerial object near Limah, Oman. The vessel was navigating the strategic waters near the Strait of Hormuz when the attack took place.
Tragedy at the Helm
The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a 25-year-old from the Salaya region in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district. According to reports, Ajij was at the steering wheel when the strike occurred, sustaining severe injuries to his shoulder and left leg. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his wounds while being transported to Khasab Port Hospital.
The attack triggered a massive fire on board, which eventually led to the vessel sinking. The MSV Al Jusufi, a traditional dhow measuring between 48 and 52 metres, was transporting approximately 950 metric tonnes of dates from Hamriyah Port in the UAE to Porbandar, Gujarat.
Rescue Operations and Survivors
While the loss of life is devastating, the Omani Coast Guard successfully rescued 13 of the 14 crew members on board. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the survival of the crew members following the strike.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is currently coordinating the repatriation of both the survivors and the remains of the deceased sailor. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, expressed condolences and reiterated the urgent need for the cessation of attacks on commercial vessels to ensure free navigation in the region.
Rising Risks for Seafarers
This incident is part of a worrying trend of maritime instability in the Gulf. It is estimated that approximately 15 Indian seafarers have lost their lives due to the ongoing regional conflict, with the total number of Indian lives lost in the Gulf region estimated to be between 20 and 23.
The Indian Sailing Vessels Association has called for government assistance for the victim's family, noting they may be eligible for ex-gratia compensation ranging from ₹10-12 lakh. The vessel's owner, Haji Akbar Sumbadia, also expressed the profound impact of this loss on the maritime community.