Indian Seafarer Killed as Projectiles Strike MV Cape Dao off Oman Coast
A devastating maritime attack off the eastern coast of Oman has claimed the life of a young Indian seafarer, turning a routine voyage into a scene of terror. Suraj Yadav, a 26-year-old wiper, was killed when the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, MV Cape Dao, was struck by projectiles while en route from Mina Saqr to India.
The Attack on MV Cape Dao
On Wednesday, 23 September 2026, the vessel was navigating waters approximately 2.5 nautical miles off the Omani coast when it was hit by two projectiles. The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) identified these strikes—suspected to be torpedoes—as having hit the ship's port side, specifically impacting the C-deck and the hull near the engine room.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the impact triggered a fire, leaving the vessel adrift. The Royal Navy of Oman launched a rescue operation, successfully saving 27 of the 28 crew members from the burning ship. Among the survivors are 19 Indian nationals who are currently ashore in Oman awaiting repatriation.
A Life Interrupted: The Story of Suraj Yadav
Suraj Yadav, hailing from Karmajeet Pur in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was the eldest of four siblings. His journey at sea had barely begun; he had