An Indian seafarer was killed on Wednesday when the bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack off Oman while sailing towards India, in the latest incident to raise concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. The Indian Embassy in Oman said it was closely monitoring the incident and coordinating with Omani authorities over the safety of the crew, including 19 Indian nationals on board.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said its authorities mounted an evacuation operation following the attack off the Musandam Governorate. Twenty-seven crew members were rescued and provided with medical assistance, while one crew member was killed. The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel reportedly caught fire after the attack, with the engine room affected.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, including those responsible, had not been established at the time of reporting. India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, describing the continuing incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome”.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman,” the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The ministry said 20 Indian seafarers were aboard the vessel, of whom 19 were rescued and one was killed. The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was working with the relevant authorities and the recruitment and placement agency while remaining in contact with the deceased seafarer’s family.
India called for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions in the region and facilitate an early return to peace. It also called for an end to attacks targeting commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure, stressing the need to restore free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the region’s international waterways.