Indian seafarer killed as aerial object strikes cargo vessel off Oman coast, 13 rescued
NEW DELHI.NOV 3 : An Indian seafarer from Gujarat was killed after an Indian-flagged commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on November 2, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. Thirteen other crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
The deceased seafarer has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident involving the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI while it was navigating near the Omani coast.
Confirming the incident, Sonowal said all 14 crew members aboard the vessel were Indian nationals. While 13 managed to evacuate safely and were subsequently rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, Ajij succumbed to his injuries.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved family, the minister said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with the Indian Embassy in Oman, was coordinating with local authorities to provide immediate assistance to the survivors and facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued crew members and the mortal remains of the deceased sailor.
New Delhi condemned the attack on the commercial vessel near Limah, Oman, on the evening of November 2.
In an official statement, the MEA said: “We condemn the attack on a commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI, near Limah, Oman yesterday evening.” It confirmed that 13 of the 14 Indian nationals on board had been rescued, while one lost his life after sustaining injuries.
The Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure the early repatriation of the 13 rescued sailors and the mortal remains of Ajij.
The MEA said continuing attacks on commercial shipping were deeply concerning and called for an immediate de-escalation of regional tensions. It also urged the parties involved in ongoing negotiations to pursue a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.
Emphasising the importance of protecting international maritime routes, the ministry said the targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must end. It further called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in accordance with international law.
The safety of Indian maritime workers is a particular concern given the country’s significant presence in the global shipping industry.
According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India has 311,936 maritime professionals, accounting for 12.16% of the global seafarer workforce and ranking second worldwide.
Indian officers, numbering 140,718, represent 13.41% of the global officer workforce. Their presence across international merchant fleets makes the security of commercial shipping routes a direct concern for India.
India and Liberia launched a 25-nation Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.
-PTI
