Indian Sailor Killed in Missile Strike Near Oman Coast
A 21-year-old Indian seafarer died after an unidentified projectile struck the cargo dhow MSV Al Jusufi near the coast of Oman.
A 21-year-old Indian seafarer has lost his life following a missile strike on a cargo dhow operating near the coast of Oman. The victim, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Porbandar, Gujarat, was killed when an unidentified projectile struck the vessel on November 2, 2026.
The Indian-flagged vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was a traditional wooden-hulled cargo dhow carrying 14 Indian crew members and 950 metric tonnes of dates. The ship had departed from Hamriyah port in the UAE on October 31, destined for Porbandar.
A Fatal Strike at Sea
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 pm local time. According to Akbar Ahmed Sumbhaniya, the brother of the vessel's owner, the projectile struck the port side of the dhow near the cabin area.
At the time of the impact, Gandhar was positioned at the steering wheel. The strike resulted in severe shrapnel and blast injuries, specifically targeting his left leg and shoulder. While the Omani Coast Guard vessels from Limah managed to rescue the 13 surviving crew members, the tragedy struck again during the medical evacuation. Gandhar succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to an ambulance after reaching the shore.
Government Response and Humanitarian Pleas
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the incident via social media, noting that the Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman are actively coordinating with local authorities. Their priority is to assist the survivors and manage the repatriation of the deceased.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially condemned the attack, calling for an immediate end to the targeting of commercial shipping vessels. Meanwhile, Adam Bhaya, the general secretary of the Indian Sailing Vessels Association, has submitted petitions to the MEA, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the Indian Embassy in Oman, requesting humanitarian aid and support for the families affected by this loss.
Rising Maritime Risks in the Region
The MSV Al Jusufi, valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, was operating in a maritime corridor that has seen escalating dangers for commercial shipping. The origin of the projectile that struck the vessel remains unknown.
This fatality marks a grim milestone in the ongoing regional conflict, which began in February 2026. The death of Gandhar Nahim Ajij brings the total number of Indian seafarers killed in this conflict to 15. Other notable maritime fatalities include:
- Three sailors on the MT Settebello in June.
- One sailor on the MV Cape Dao in September.