Tragedy at Sea: Indian Seafarer Killed in Torpedo Attack off Oman
A 26-year-old Indian seafarer has lost his life following a violent maritime attack off the coast of Oman. Suraj Yadav, a wiper hailing from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was killed on September 23, 2026, when his vessel was struck by projectiles during a high-tension period in the region.
The Fatal Strike on MV Cape Dao
The incident involved the MV Cape Dao, an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier (IMO 9219020). The vessel was struck by two projectiles, causing significant structural damage to the ship's engine room hull and the C-deck accommodation area. While the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the damage was caused by an "unknown projectile," the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has identified the weaponry as torpedoes.
The impact was devastating for Yadav, who sustained fatal head injuries during the strike. Following the attack, the Royal Navy of Oman launched a rescue operation, successfully retrieving the remaining crew members and transporting them to a jetty.
Crew Discrepancies and Rescue Efforts
There has been some conflicting information regarding the number of Indian nationals on board. While the Ministry of External Affairs initially reported 19 Indian crew members, the FSUI has clarified that there were 20 Indian nationals among the 28 total crew members. The personnel were placed through several agencies, including:
- Keyline Maritime Services
- NavSukh Marine
- Caspia Shipmanagement
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has stated that the Indian government is actively coordinating with the embassy in Muscat and Omani authorities to ensure the survivors are repatriated and that Yadav’s remains are returned home.
Rising Regional Instability
This attack comes amid a surge in regional escalations that began in February 2026, involving military strikes between US-Israel forces and Iran. These tensions have increasingly impacted commercial shipping traffic throughout the GCC region. Although the Indian government implemented a directive in July 2026 to bar new seafarer deployments to the Strait of Hormuz, the mandate did not apply to crew members who were already at sea at the time.
A Growing Toll on Indian Nationals
Recent data presented in Parliament paints a sobering picture of the risks faced by Indians in the Middle East. This year, the toll of conflict-related incidents includes:
- 16 Indian nationals killed in Middle East conflicts, including 10 seafarers.
- 8 deaths recorded in Oman.
- 4 deaths recorded in the UAE.
- 1 death recorded in Saudi Arabia.
- 75 injuries reported among Indian nationals.
In a separate incident, 12 deaths were also recorded due to an industrial accident at Ras Laffan, Qatar.
In light of the tragedy, the FSUI has formally written to the Prime Minister. The union is calling for the dignified treatment of the deceased, the immediate settlement of all outstanding wages, and a comprehensive overhaul of safety policies for seafarers transiting these volatile waters.