Young Gujarat Sailor Killed in Strike on Indian Vessel Near Oman
A young sailor from Gujarat died after an unidentified object struck the MSV Al Jusufi near Oman. The vessel carrying dates from the UAE has since sunk.
A tragic maritime incident near the coast of Oman has claimed the life of a young Indian sailor, highlighting the growing security risks facing commercial shipping in the region.
Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a sailor aged between 21 and 25 from Salaya village in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, was killed on November 2. The fatality occurred when an unidentified aerial object struck the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Al Jusufi near Limah, Oman.
The Fatal Strike and Vessel Loss
The projectile hit the port side of the vessel near the engine room at a critical moment. Ajij was at the helm when the impact occurred, resulting in a fractured leg and a shattered left shoulder. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away at approximately 6 pm IST while being transported to a hospital at Khasab Port.
The MSV Al Jusufi was engaged in transporting nearly 950 tonnes of wet dates from the UAE's Hamriyah Port to Porbandar, India. Following the strike, the vessel caught fire and eventually sank. The owner, Akbar Ahmed Sumbhaniya, reported an estimated loss of Rs 1 crore, noting that the cargo and vessel remained uninsured.
Rescue Operations and Crew Safety
The incident involved a crew of 14, all of whom were residents of Salaya. Following the attack, the Omani Coast Guard launched a successful rescue operation, saving 13 of the crew members.
The owner confirmed that the ship had safely transited the Strait of Hormuz just the day before and that the attack took place in broad daylight, adding to the shock of the incident.
A Tragic Family History
The loss is deeply personal for the family of the deceased. Ajij's father, Ajijbhai, had also died at sea during a cyclone nearly 20 years ago. In a poignant decision, the family has opted to have Ajij buried in Oman rather than repatriating his body to India.
A Growing Pattern of Maritime Attacks
This tragedy marks a grim milestone in the ongoing West Asia conflict. Since February 2026, this incident represents:
- The 15th death of an Indian seafarer.
- The 23rd overall Indian death related to the conflict.
- One of several targeted strikes on Indian-operated vessels in Omani waters.
Since the onset of the conflict, at least four Indian Mechanised Sailing Vessels—including the MSV Al Faiz Sulemani, Al Haji Ali, and Quba—have been targeted in the region. This poses a significant threat to the maritime industry, as India operates between 450 and 500 such vessels, with a large portion home-ported in Gujarat.
Official Response and Calls for Protection
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the attack, calling for immediate de-escalation and the protection of commercial shipping lanes. The ministry also expressed gratitude to the Omani authorities for their swift rescue efforts.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the identity of the deceased and stated that the government is working to coordinate the repatriation of the 13 survivors. Meanwhile, maritime organizations, including the Forward Seamen’s Union of India and the Indian Sailing Vessels Association, have demanded increased accountability and enhanced security measures for civilian merchant vessels.
The ongoing instability in the region continues to impact millions of Indian expatriates working across the Gulf, raising serious concerns regarding the safety of maritime professionals near the Persian Gulf and Red Sea.