768 Indian Seafarers Trapped in Gulf After Deadly Attack
The security situation in the Gulf has reached a critical point, leaving 768 Indian seafarers stranded across 28 Indian-flagged vessels. This maritime crisis was triggered by a violent attack off the coast of Oman, prompting insurers and vessel owners to freeze commercial traffic in the region.
The Fatal Strike off the Oman Coast
The crisis began on September 23, 2026, when the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel, MV Cape Dao, was struck by an unknown projectile while sailing from Mina Saqr, UAE, toward India. The strike occurred near the Musandam coast of Oman around midday, igniting fires in both the accommodation deck and the engine room.
Tragically, the incident claimed the life of 26-year-old Suraj Yadav, a wiper from the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. While the Royal Navy of Oman successfully rescued the other 19 Indian crew members on board, Yadav's remains have not yet been returned to his family.
Supplies Running Low as Traffic Freezes
As commercial traffic remains frozen due to heightened security risks, the 768 crew members remaining on these 28 ships are facing increasingly dire conditions. Reports indicate that essential supplies, specifically fresh water and fuel, are under significant strain as the vessels remain stuck in transit.
Scale of Indian Seafarers in the Region
According to data from the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the security instability affects a massive workforce of approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers currently operating in the region. The distribution of these workers is as follows:
- UAE: 12,830
- Saudi Arabia: 3,131
- Qatar: 2,372
- Oman: 1,687
- Bahrain: 276
While 215 individuals have already been evacuated from Muscat and Bahrain, hundreds remain trapped at sea.
Demands for Protection and Compensation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the strike, and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has pledged that the remains of Suraj Yadav will be repatriated to his home.
In response to the escalating danger, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India has submitted a formal request to the Prime Minister’s Office, calling for immediate action:
- Financial compensation for