North India Statesman
A commercial merchant bulk carrier, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged MV Cape Dao, was struck in a missile attack off the eastern coast of Oman while sailing toward India, resulting in the death of an Indian seafarer. The deceased sailor has been identified as Suraj Yadav, a wiper hailing from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, who succumbed to severe head injuries sustained during the strike. Confirming the tragedy, the Indian Embassy in Muscat and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that all nineteen other Indian seafarers aboard were safely evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman and brought ashore. The government has condemned the escalating targeting of civilian maritime vessels in the region, reiterating calls for urgent diplomatic de-escalation.
Deadly Missile Strike on Commercial Vessel Transiting to India
The incident occurred while MV Cape Dao was en route toward India from Mina Saqr. The bulk carrier was operating with a 28-member crew on board, including 20 Indian nationals. According to maritime tracking updates and statements issued by seafarers’ organizations, the vessel sustained heavy impacts on its port side, with projectiles piercing the accommodation area on the C-deck and the hull near the engine room, triggering fires on board. While the rest of the crew managed to evacuate into emergency lifeboats, Suraj Yadav suffered fatal trauma during the initial blast.
Royal Navy of Oman Executes Swift Rescue Operation
Following emergency distress signals transmitted from the burning vessel, maritime security task forces and the Royal Navy of Oman launched an immediate evacuation mission. Emergency naval responders pulled the nineteen surviving Indian crew members from the waters and brought them safely ashore to Omani medical and administrative facilities. The Embassy of India in Muscat quickly established communication channels with local Omani port authorities and the recruitment and placement service agency (RPSL) to provide medical care, trauma counseling, and documentation assistance to the rescued sailors.
Government of India Condemns Attacks, Demands Civilian Protection
External Affairs Ministry official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a stern condemnation of the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of an Indian citizen and extending condolences to the bereaved family. The MEA emphasized that the continuing pattern of strikes against merchant shipping, unarmed civilian seafarers, and commercial transit channels across regional maritime corridors is deeply worrisome and unacceptable. New Delhi reiterated that international maritime traffic must remain unhindered and urged all involved parties to embrace dialogue and diplomacy to restore safety to commercial sealanes.
Repatriation Efforts Underway for Suraj Yadav and Surviving Crew
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal expressed heartfelt grief over the young seafarer’s tragic death and assured full government assistance to his family in Uttar Pradesh. Sonowal confirmed that formal directives have been issued to the Directorate General of Shipping and maritime bodies to work with Omani authorities and the ship management firm to bring Yadav’s mortal remains home with dignity. Simultaneously, diplomatic paperwork and consular clearances are being expedited to ensure the early and safe flight repatriation of all nineteen surviving Indian seafarers back to their home states.
