Tragedy at Sea: Indian Seafarer Killed in Torpedo Attack Near Oman
A violent maritime strike has claimed the life of an Indian sailor after a bulk carrier was hit by torpedoes near the coast of Oman. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, has sparked intense concern regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The Attack on MV Cape Dao
The MV Cape Dao, a vessel flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, was navigating the waters off the Musandam coast, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, when it was targeted. Two projectiles struck the ship's port side, causing significant damage to the C-deck accommodation area and the vicinity of the engine room. The impact immediately ignited a fire on board the vessel, which was traveling from Mina Saqr toward India.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Of the 28 crew members on board, 20 were Indian nationals. Tragically, 26-year-old Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, lost his life after sustaining fatal head injuries during the strike.
The Royal Navy of Oman conducted a rescue operation that successfully brought 27 of the 28 crew members to safety. This group included 19 Indian seafarers. Currently, the Indian Embassy in Muscat is working alongside Omani authorities to manage the repatriation of the surviving crew and the return of Mr. Yadav’s body to his home country.
Official Condemnation and Demands for Security
The Indian government has responded with strong condemnation of the strike on civilian infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the targeting of commercial vessels as deeply worrisome, while Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the fatality and assured the victim's family of full support and a dignified repatriation process.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has taken a much more urgent stance, sending a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The union characterized the incident as a
slaughter of civilian seafarers.
With this being the second attack on a vessel carrying Indian crew in the region within a mere ten-day window, the FSUI is demanding immediate protective measures, including:
- The immediate formation of a national crisis team.
- The provision of naval escorts for merchant vessels to ensure their safety.
As of now, no entity has claimed responsibility for the attack on the MV Cape Dao, and the vessel was noted to be in compliance with all required registries.