An India-flagged cargo vessel, the MSV AL JUSUFI, was attacked by an unidentified aerial object near the coast of Oman, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer. The incident, which occurred on November 2, saw 13 other crew members safely rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
Indian Sailor Identified, Rescue Operations Underway
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the tragic loss of life, identifying the deceased sailor as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. Minister Sonowal expressed his deepest condolences to Ajij's family and stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman is actively coordinating with local authorities to provide immediate assistance to the 13 survivors and facilitate their swift repatriation, along with the mortal remains of the deceased.
The MSV AL JUSUFI had a total of 14 Indian seafarers onboard when it was struck while navigating international waters near Oman.
Rising Maritime Incidents in the Region
This attack adds to a growing number of maritime security incidents in the region. Data from the International Maritime Organisation and the UK Maritime Trade Operations indicates over 120 attacks on commercial vessels since the conflict began in the area. October alone recorded 29 such incidents, making it the worst month for maritime attacks.
The incident also follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address to G7 leaders, where he highlighted the rising cost of human lives, including Indian seafarers, in critical shipping corridors like the Strait of Hormuz. PM Modi had urged international leaders to ensure the safety and security of these vital global shipping routes.
Previous attacks in the vicinity include a Panama-flagged tanker, RITI, which caught fire near Oman's Musandam Peninsula on October 29, and another Panama-flagged tanker, Louise 1, struck by limpet mines near Oman's Khasab coast a day later. While these previous incidents resulted in no casualties, the attack on MSV AL JUSUFI underscores the escalating risks faced by commercial shipping in the region.