- Indian seafarer killed in aerial attack off Oman coast.
- MSV Al Jusufi vessel struck, 13 crew members rescued
- MEA condemns attack, calls for regional de-escalation.
An Indian seafarer was killed after an Indian-flagged vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman. The remaining 13 crew members were rescued, said Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of Gujarat, the minister added.
The vessel, identified as Indian-flagged motorised sailing vessel (MSV) Al Jusufi, was sailing near the Omani coast at the time of the incident. While 13 crew members were safely evacuated and rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, Ajij succumbed to his injuries, Sonowal said, expressing condolences to the bereaved family.
What did Sonowal say in his X post?
Sharing a post on Tuesday, Union Minister Sarbanada Sonowal said, “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.”
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⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ⚠️ 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. 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. 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.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 3, 2026
“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 said.
Sonowal wrote, “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.
Sonowal claimed that the Indian embassy in Oman is in touch with local authorities to ensure assistance to the 13 survivors. The ministry is working towards the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer.
Ministry Of Extenal Affairs Condemns Attack
Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the Indian vessel. In a post, it wrote, "We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening. Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 have been rescued while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life after sustaining injuries. We convey our deepest condolences on the precious life lost. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased."
Ministry of External Affairs issues statement on attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman "We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening. Of the 14 Indian nationals on board, 13 have been rescued while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life after sustaining injuries. We convey our deepest condolences on the precious life lost. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased. The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest."
— ANI (@ANI) November 3, 2026
The Ministry added, "The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest."
Recent Attacks On Indian Vessels Amid US-Iran War
On October 30, a Panama-flagged oil tanker carrying 27 Indian seafarers was attacked with limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The mines led to an engine room fire which was extinguished later.
Two vessels with Indian crew onboard were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz on October 11. Two Indian seafarers were reported missing as the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin suffered a drone strike near Sohar, Oman. Meanwhile, the Marshall Islands-flagged MT Valthera was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with 11 Indian crew members on board.
Earlier in May, an Indian-owned vessel sank in Omani waters after an unidentified attack. The Ministry of External Affairs had strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "unacceptable".