Another Indian seafarer died in the Oman Gulf on Wednesday after an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, MV Cape Dao, was targeted in a torpedo attack.
The carrier was en route to India from Mina Saqr via the Oman route. According to reports, two torpedoes hit its port side, causing severe impact on the vessel's accommodation and part of the engine room.
28 crew members were onboard the vessel during the attack. The crew was comprised of 20 Indian nationals. The deceased seafarer has been identified as Suraj Yadav.
Reacting to the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that 19 of the 20 Indian seafarers onboard were safe. The MEA condemned the attack on the commercial vessel. "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman. Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 have been rescued, while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased," the ministry said.
Indian embassy in Oman reacts
Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Oman said that it was monitoring the attack and coordinating with Omani authorities over the safety of all the crew on board.
"We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals," the mission said.
Suraj belonged to Uttar Pradesh's Deoria district, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, a trade union affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions.
In a post on X, Manoj Yadav of FSUI said, "28 crew on board, 20 of them Indian. Two torpedoes hit the port side C-deck (accommodation), Port side hull (engine room)."
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