Indian Seafarer Killed in Torpedo Strike Near Oman Coast
A tragic maritime attack near the Musandam coast of Oman has claimed the life of a young Indian sailor. Suraj Yadav, a 26-year-old wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was killed on September 23, 2026, after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was struck by projectiles while sailing toward India.
The Attack on MV Cape Dao
The vessel was traveling from Mina Saqr when the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 am local time. While no group has claimed responsibility, seafarers' unions have described the attack as involving two torpedoes. The impact was severe, striking the port side of the ship:
- One projectile caused damage to the C-deck.
- A second projectile struck the hull near the engine room.
- The resulting fire led to the death of Suraj Yadav.
According to the Oman Maritime Security Centre, the strike took place just 2.5 nautical miles off the Musandam coast.
Emergency Rescue Operations
The attack placed the lives of 28 crew members at extreme risk. In a major rescue operation, the Royal Navy of Oman successfully evacuated 27 individuals from the vessel. The Indian Embassy in Muscat and the Ministry of External Affairs have confirmed that 19 Indian crew members were among those rescued safely.
A Family in Mourning
Suraj Yadav was the eldest of four brothers and had only recently left India on August 19 to begin his work. His father, Om Prakash Yadav, is currently employed in Muscat, making the loss even more poignant for the family.
Growing Concerns Over Maritime Safety
This incident has intensified calls for better protection for merchant sailors. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by Indian nationals in regional waters. The union issued a chilling warning:
"Indian seafarers are being slaughtered in silence."
The FSUI is urgently requesting that the government provide naval escorts for commercial vessels. This tragedy marks the 11th death of an Indian seafarer in these waters since the escalation of regional conflict in February. The union reports that numerous vessels with Indian crews have been targeted across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Government Commitment
India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has addressed the tragedy by committing to the dignified repatriation of Yadav's remains. The government has also pledged to provide necessary support to his family during this difficult time as coordination with Muscat continues.