Indian Sailor Killed in Aerial Strike Near Oman
An Indian sailor lost his life after an aerial strike hit the MSV AL JUSUFI near Oman. 13 crew members were rescued following the attack.
An Indian seafarer has lost his life following an aerial strike on an Indian-flagged cargo vessel near Limah, Oman. The incident occurred on November 2, 2026, when an unidentified aerial object struck the MSV AL JUSUFI, causing a fire and forcing the crew to abandon the ship.
The victim has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Salaya in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat. While 13 crew members were successfully rescued, Ajij succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital at Khasab Port.
Details of the Maritime Attack
The MSV AL JUSUFI, a mechanised sailing vessel measuring 52 metres in length and 12 metres in width, was transporting approximately 950 metric tonnes of dates. The cargo was en route from Al Hamriya Port in the UAE to Porbandar, Gujarat. The strike took place at approximately 4 pm local time.
Following the impact and a reported fire, the 14-person Indian crew was forced to evacuate the vessel using a liferaft. The Omani Coast Guard arrived on the scene to rescue 13 survivors. While reports from the ship's owners suggest the vessel may have subsequently sunk, maritime authorities have not yet officially confirmed the status of the MSV AL JUSUFI.
Government Response and Diplomatic Pressure
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed his condolences regarding the loss of life. He confirmed that his ministry, alongside the Indian Embassy in Oman, is coordinating assistance for the survivors and the repatriation of Ajij's mortal remains.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel. In a statement, the MEA called for an end to the targeting of civilian infrastructure and shipping, advocating for a diplomatic solution to restore unimpeded navigation in the region.
Escalating Conflict in West Asia
This tragedy is part of a broader, concerning trend within the ongoing West Asia conflict. Since February 28, 2026, at least 22 Indian nationals have lost their lives due to regional hostilities, including 14 seafarers and three individuals in Saudi Arabia.
Previous casualties have been linked to attacks on infrastructure in Riyadh and Dammam, as well as various maritime incidents near the Strait of Hormuz. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the strike on the MSV AL JUSUFI, and the region remains under heightened alert.