Gujarat sailor killed after Indian-fagged cargo vessel attacked off Oman coast
Gujarat-based sailor Gandhar Nahim Ajij died from injuries sustained in the attack, while 13 other Indian crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard
An Indian sailor died after an Indian-flagged cargo vessel came under attack off the coast of Oman on Monday (October 2), said Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Taking to X on Tuesday (October 2), the Union Minister further stated that the remaining 13 Indians onboard the vessel were safe.
Elaborating further, Sonowal said that the deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who hailed from Gujarat, adding that he succumbed to his injuries following the attack.
“On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman,” stated the Sonowal.
“While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief,” he added.
Embassy coordinating on repatriation
The Minister further stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with the local authorities to provide assistance to the 13 survivors.
“The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer,” he added.
Previous attacks on vessels carrying Indian crew
With the latest incident, the number of Indian nationals killed in the ongoing West Asia conflict has reached at least 23, reported the Hindustan Times. India has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on commercial vessels and called for collective efforts to protect seafarers.
Attacks on Indian-flagged ships during the conflict involving the United States and Iran have been rare. However, several incidents involving Indian crew members have been reported since the war began on February 28.
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On October 30, a Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Limpet mines planted on the vessel triggered a fire in its engine room, which was later extinguished.
Earlier, on October 11, two other vessels carrying Indian crew members were targeted in the region. Two Indian sailors went missing after a drone struck the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin near Sohar in Oman. The Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera was also hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. It had 11 Indian crew members onboard.
An Indian-owned vessel had sunk in Omani waters in May following an unidentified aerial attack. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned that incident as "unacceptable."
22 Indian deaths reported earlier
The latest death comes after the ministry reported 22 Indian fatalities in attacks on ships and tankers since the conflict began. Of these, 14 were seafarers.
Also Read: Centre summons Iranian envoy after Indian crew member killed in Hormuz tanker attack
"We are deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We have lost 22 Indian nationals in the conflict, including 14 seafarers," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing on October 28.