Indian Seafarer Killed in Torpedo Strike Near Oman Coast
A tragic maritime attack in the Strait of Hormuz has claimed the life of a young Indian crew member. Suraj Yadav, a 26-year-old wiper, was killed following a torpedo strike on the MV Cape Dao, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, as it navigated waters off the Musandam coast of Oman on September 23, 2026.
Chaos at Sea: The Attack on MV Cape Dao
The vessel (IMO 9219020) was en route from Mina Saqr in the UAE when it was targeted by two projectiles. The strike was devastating: one projectile hit the port-side C-deck, while another struck the hull in the immediate vicinity of the engine room, triggering a fire.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed the impact occurred just 2.5 nautical miles off the coast.
The intensity of the strike necessitated an emergency response, with the Royal Navy of Oman conducting an evacuation of 27 crew members from the vessel.
A Life Cut Short
Suraj Yadav, a resident of Karmajitpur in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, had only recently embarked on his career in the merchant navy, having joined the vessel on August 19, 2026. He tragically died from severe head injuries sustained during the explosion. His uncle, Awadhesh Yadav, noted that the family had been in contact with him only hours before the fatal incident occurred.
Rescue Operations and Crew Details
The MV Cape Dao was carrying a total of 28 crew members, 20 of whom were Indian nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed the death of one Indian national and the successful rescue of 19 others. The recruitment for the Indian crew was handled by several agencies:
- Keyline Maritime Services: Responsible for placing 17 of the Indian crew members.
- NavSukh Marine and Caspia Shipmanagement: Recruited the remaining Indian personnel.
Rising Tensions and Calls for Protection
While no entity has claimed responsibility for the torpedo strike, the MEA has condemned the attack on commercial shipping, describing the event as "deeply worrisome." Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his condolences and has directed officials to facilitate the repatriation of the survivors and the return of Yadav’s remains to India.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take urgent action. The union is calling for the establishment of a standing crisis cell—comprising the PMO, MEA, Defence, and the Navy—and is demanding time-bound compensation for the families of victims.
A Growing Toll for Indian Seafarers
This incident marks a grim milestone, with Yadav being identified as the 11th Indian seafarer killed in the vicinity of Hormuz since the current crisis began. The broader Middle East conflict has seen a significant impact on Indian nationals this