768 Indian Seafarers Trapped in Gulf After Fatal Attack
A dire security situation has left 768 Indian seafarers trapped in the Gulf, immobilized on 28 Indian-flagged vessels following a lethal maritime attack. The incident, which resulted in the death of one crew member, has sparked urgent calls for government intervention as those remaining on board face dwindling supplies of food, water, and fuel.
A Deadly Strike off the Musandam Coast
The crisis was triggered on 23 September when the MV Cape Dao, a bulk carrier flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was struck twice while navigating the waters off the Musandam coast of Oman. The vessel was en route from Mina Saqr in the UAE toward India when the strikes hit the engine room and the C-deck accommodation, igniting a fire on board.
Tragically, the attack claimed the life of 26-year-old Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, India. Yadav, who had departed India in August, sustained a fatal head injury during the incident. While the Royal Navy of Oman managed to evacuate 27 survivors—including 19 Indian nationals—from approximately 2.5 nautical miles offshore, the loss of life has sent shockwaves through the maritime community.
While the UKMTO reported an unidentified projectile, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has alleged that the vessel was targeted by two torpedoes. As of now, no group or nation has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Critical Shortages and Security Risks
The situation for the 768 individuals currently stuck on 28 tankers and cargo ships is increasingly precarious. With insurance markets designating the region as a war zone, many vessels are unable to move due to heightened security concerns. Those remaining on board are reportedly facing critical shortages of essential supplies, including potable water and fuel.
The FSUI has issued an urgent appeal to the Indian Prime Minister, describing the strike on a civilian vessel as unjustified. Although the Ministry of External Affairs has condemned the attack and the Ports Minister has pledged to repatriate the remains of the deceased, the family of Suraj Yadav is still waiting to receive his body.
Thousands of Indian Seafarers at Risk
This incident highlights the vulnerability of the massive Indian maritime workforce operating in the region. According to a situation report from the Directorate General of Shipping, there are approximately 23,000 Indian seafarers currently in Gulf waters. The breakdown of their locations includes:
- 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 successfully evacuated from Muscat and Bahrain, the ongoing instability continues to threaten the safety of thousands of Indian nationals navigating these volatile waters. This follows a similar tragedy in June, where another native of Deoria lost his life in a separate attack off the coast of Oman.