One Indian Killed, 13 Rescued After Vessel Hit by Unidentified Object Off Oman Coast

New Delhi: One Indian seafarer died while 13 others were rescued after an Indian-flagged vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members was struck by an unidentified aerial object near the coast of Oman, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday.

In a post on X, Sonowal said the vessel, MSV AL JUSUFI, was navigating near the Omani coast when it was hit by the unidentified object on Monday. The 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat.

"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," Sonowal said.

"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," he added.

The incident comes amid repeated reports of attacks involving commercial vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf and wider West Asian region amid the conflict in the region. On October 30, a Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier, M/T Al Mayeda, carrying six Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf.

In a post on X on Saturday, Sonowal said all six Indian nationals, along with the vessel's entire 25-member crew, were safe. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had highlighted concerns over repeated attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, emphasising the need to protect freedom of navigation.

In a message shared on X, Jaishankar said countries in the Global South were disproportionately bearing the consequences of hostilities in the Middle East, with attacks on civilian shipping threatening the availability and cost of essential commodities. "The Global South is disproportionately bearing the consequences of attacks on civilian shipping and seafarers, jeopardising the availability and cost of fuel, food and fertilisers," Jaishankar stated. The latest incident has once again brought attention to the safety of Indian seafarers operating in waters affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. 

India on Tuesday called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution in West Asia after one Indian seafarer was killed when a commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India condemned the attack on the commercial vessel on Indian-flagged MSV AL JUSUFI near Limah, Oman, on Monday evening, which left one Indian national dead and 13 others rescued.

The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased. "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 statement read.

Expressing concern over repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the region, the MEA reiterated India's call for an immediate reduction in tensions and a diplomatic resolution. "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 statement said.

The Ministry further stressed that commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and called for the restoration of freedom of navigation and commerce through international waterways. "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," it added.

The statement comes after Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, earlier in the day, confirmed the death of an Indian seafarer following the attack on the vessel carrying 14 Indian crew members near the Omani coast.