768 Indian Seafarers Stranded in Gulf After Fatal Attack
A major maritime crisis has erupted in the Gulf, leaving 768 Indian seafarers stranded on 28 Indian-flagged tankers and cargo ships. The crisis follows a deadly projectile strike near the coast of Oman that has resulted in fatalities and forced crews to abandon their vessels.
A Deadly Strike Near Musandam
The incident was reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations around noon on 23 September 2026. The target was the MV Cape Dao, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier that was en route to India from Mina Saqr, UAE. According to reports, the vessel was struck twice near the Musandam coast, sustaining heavy damage to the engine room and the C-deck accommodation area.
The strikes ignited a fire on board, creating a life-threatening situation that forced the crew to abandon the ship. While the Royal Navy of Oman successfully rescued 19 Indian crew members, the attack has left dozens of other vessels immobilized and their crews trapped in a volatile region.
The Human Cost of the Attack
The strike claimed two lives. Among the deceased was 26-year-old Suraj Yadav, a wiper from the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. In a tragic turn of events, Yadav had spoken to his family via video call just 30 minutes before the strike occurred. He was fatally struck by debris during the emergency evacuation process.
His family is currently waiting for his mortal remains to be returned to India. His father, Om Prakash Yadav, is presently working in Muscat. Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has confirmed that the Indian government is working closely with the Embassy of India in Muscat to ensure the deceased is repatriated with dignity.
A Regional Maritime Crisis
The scale of the situation is significant, given the high density of Indian maritime workers in the region. The Directorate General of Shipping estimates that there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers operating across the area, including:
- UAE: 12,830 seafarers
- Saudi Arabia: 3,131 seafarers
- Qatar: 2,372 seafarers
- Oman: 1,687 seafarers
- Bahrain: 276 seafarers
While 215 seafarers have already been relocated from Muscat and Bahrain, 768 remain stuck on 28 immobilized ships. This incident is part of a worrying trend of casualties involving Indian sailors throughout 2026 across the Red Sea, Black Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.
Demands for Urgent Intervention
In response to the escalating danger, India has officially suspended the deployment of new seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India has taken a firm stance, petitioning the Prime Minister to take immediate action to protect civilian mariners.
The union's demands include:
- The establishment of a dedicated crisis cell to manage the situation.
- The provision of naval escorts for vessels in high-risk zones.
- Ensuring time-bound compensation for affected workers.
- Prioritizing the safety and protection of all civilian sailors.