Indian Seafarer Killed, 27 Crew Rescued After MV Cape Dao Attack Off Oman

An Indian seafarer was killed after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday while sailing towards India, triggering fresh concerns over the safety of merchant ships in the region.

Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the vessel was attacked off the Musandam governorate. A Royal Navy of Oman evacuation operation rescued 27 crew members from the ship, while one crew member died. The attack also caused a fire in the vessel's engine room.

India's Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and confirmed that one Indian national had died. The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was working with Omani authorities and the relevant recruitment and placement agency to monitor the situation and assist the crew and the deceased sailor's family.

Suraj Yadav identified as victim

The deceased sailor was identified by the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh.

According to FSUI, Yadav was aboard the vessel when it was struck by two torpedoes. The union said one hit the port-side C-deck accommodation area, while another struck the port-side hull close to the engine room. These details have been attributed to the union and have not been independently confirmed by Omani authorities.

Reports said the ship was travelling from Mina Saqr towards India through the Oman route. The surviving crew were evacuated and taken ashore, with medical assistance provided where required.

Discrepancy over number of Indian crew

There is currently a difference in reported figures concerning the number of Indian nationals aboard MV Cape Dao.

The Indian Embassy said it was monitoring the safety of 19 Indian nationals on the vessel, while FSUI said the ship had 28 crew members, including 20 Indians. Omani authorities separately confirmed that 27 crew members were rescued and one died.

India calls for safe navigation

The MEA described continuing attacks on commercial shipping as deeply concerning and called for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce regional tensions.

India also stressed that commercial vessels, civilian infrastructure and seafarers must not be targeted and called for the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways in the region.

The identity of those responsible for the MV Cape Dao attack has not been officially established, making the incident another major concern for commercial shipping operating around the Gulf of Oman and the wider Strait of Hormuz region.