Indian Seafarer Dead, 13 Rescued After Vessel Hit by Unidentified Object off Oman
One Indian crew member died and 13 were rescued after the MSV AL JUSUFI was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman.
A tragic incident has unfolded off the coast of Oman where an Indian-flagged vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer and the rescue of 13 others. The news was confirmed by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday.
The Incident: MSV AL JUSUFI Under Attack
The vessel, identified as MSV AL JUSUFI, was navigating the waters near the Omani coast on Monday when it was suddenly hit by an unidentified aerial object. The ship was carrying a crew of 14 Indian nationals.
Following the strike, a rescue operation was initiated. While 13 of the crew members managed to evacuate safely and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, one crew member did not survive. The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Gujarat, who tragically succumbed to his injuries.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief," Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated in a post on X.
Government Response and Repatriation
The Indian government has moved quickly to provide support to the survivors and the family of the deceased. Minister Sonowal confirmed that the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with the Indian Embassy in Oman, is maintaining close contact with local authorities. The primary goals are to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and to facilitate the swift repatriation of the surviving crew and the mortal remains of Gandhar Nahim Ajij.
A Pattern of Danger in West Asian Waters
This attack is not an isolated event but part of a worrying trend of hostilities affecting commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and the broader West Asian region. The safety of civilian seafarers has become a critical concern due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Recent Similar Attacks
- October 30: The M/T Al Mayeda, a Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier, was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf. This vessel carried six Indian seafarers among its 25-member crew; fortunately, all were reported safe.
Diplomatic Concerns Over Civilian Shipping
The vulnerability of seafarers has been a point of discussion at the highest diplomatic levels. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently raised these concerns during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, stressing the urgent need to protect the freedom of navigation.
Minister Jaishankar highlighted that the "Global South" is bearing a disproportionate burden of the hostilities in the Middle East. He warned that repeated attacks on civilian shipping do more than just endanger lives—they threaten the global supply chain, potentially increasing the cost and reducing the availability of essential commodities such as food, fuel, and fertilisers.