Indian Seafarer Killed As Two Torpedoes Hit MV Cape Dao Near Oman, MEA Condemns Strike

An Indian seafarer was killed after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked while sailing from Mina Saqr towards India via Oman. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said two torpedoes struck the vessel’s port side, hitting the C-deck accommodation and hull near the engine room. Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed the vessel was attacked and that a fire broke out in the engine room.

The ship had 28 crew members, including 20 Indians. The Royal Navy of Oman evacuated 27 surviving crew members, who were given medical care. Indian seafarer Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, suffered a head injury and later died. The Indian Embassy said 19 Indian nationals survived and were safely evacuated. The attack occurred about 4.6 km off Musandam.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack. “Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 have been rescued, while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life,” it said, offering condolences to Yadav’s family. The MEA called the continuing attacks on commercial shipping “deeply worrisome” and said the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must end. It reiterated India’s call for “dialogue and diplomacy” and restoration of free and unimpeded navigation.

Union Ports and Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also condoled Yadav’s death, saying his mortal remains would be brought home with full dignity and that every possible support would be extended to his family. He said the surviving Indian crew had been safely evacuated and directed authorities to coordinate their immediate repatriation.

Yadav’s family said they had spoken to him shortly before the attack and appealed for his remains to be brought home quickly. According to the Directorate of Maritime Administration, 17 Indian crew members were employed by RPSL Keyline Maritime Services, one by RPSL NavSukh Marine and two by RPSL Caspia Shipmanagement. A NavSukh fourth engineer sustained a minor injury.

FSUI demanded accountability, safe passage and justice, saying, “Assurances mean nothing. Innocent civilian seafarers are being slaughtered in and around Hormuz.” The union has called for seafarers to wear black ribbons on September 25 and urged stronger protection, including naval support for Indian crews. It said 10 seafarers had died and 12 were injured in attacks involving four Indian ships and 60 foreign-flagged vessels since the West Asia crisis began.

The incident also comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a BRICS Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network to connect maritime authorities and diplomatic missions and provide distress alerts, medical assistance, family communication and evacuation support.

No party has publicly claimed responsibility for the Cape Dao attack so far.