**Indian Sailor Killed in Torpedo Attack Off Omani Coast**
An Indian sailor tragically lost his life in a torpedo attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. The incident involved the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao, which was reportedly struck by two torpedoes while en route from Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates to India.
The deceased sailor, identified as Suraj Yadav, hailed from Deoria in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. He was among a crew of 28, 20 of whom were Indian nationals. Following the attack, all surviving crew members were successfully rescued, thanks in part to the efforts of an Omani warship that assisted in the operation.
Reports indicate that the torpedoes caused significant damage to the vessel, particularly near the engine room and accommodation area. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) confirmed the details of the attack on social media platform X, highlighting the severity of the incident.
As of now, no group or nation has claimed responsibility for the attack, raising concerns about maritime security in the region. The Indian Foreign Ministry has condemned the assault, emphasizing the need to end the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers, and civilian infrastructure in the area.
In response to the incident, the Indian Embassy in Oman is actively monitoring the situation and is working with local authorities to ensure the swift repatriation of the rescued crew members. This incident marks a grim reminder of the dangers faced by seafarers, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
Since the onset of hostilities in the Middle East, at least ten Indian nationals have lost their lives in similar attacks on commercial shipping. India is recognized as the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with over 300,000 Indians employed in the maritime industry. The Indian government has consistently condemned such attacks and has issued advisories to its nationals regarding the risks associated with navigating through the Gulf and Black Sea conflict zones.
The tragic loss of Suraj Yadav underscores the ongoing threats to maritime safety and the lives of seafarers operating in volatile regions. The international community continues to grapple with ensuring the security of commercial shipping lanes and protecting the lives of those who work at sea.