One Indian seafarer dead, 13 others rescued after vessel struck by unidentified object off Oman coast

Muscat: An Indian seafarer lost his life, while 13 others were rescued after an Indian-flagged vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on Monday, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in conflict-affected West Asia.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident involving MSV AL JUSUFI, which was carrying 14 Indian crew members when it was hit while navigating near the Omani coastline. According to the minister, the 13 surviving crew members managed to evacuate the vessel and were subsequently rescued by the Oman Coast Guard. The deceased sailor was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, a resident of 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 wrote.

He added, “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.” The cause and circumstances of the incident remain unclear, as the object that struck the vessel has not yet been identified.

Another attack raises concerns over Indian seafarers’ safety

The latest incident follows another reported attack on a commercial vessel in the Persian Gulf. On October 30, the Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier M/T Al Mayeda, carrying six Indian seafarers, was struck by a projectile. Sonowal subsequently confirmed that all six Indian nationals and the vessel’s entire 25-member crew were safe. The incidents highlight growing concerns about the safety of civilian shipping routes amid continuing hostilities in West Asia.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also raised the issue at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, warning that attacks on commercial shipping disproportionately affect countries in the Global South. He stressed that threats to maritime navigation could disrupt the availability and increase the cost of essential commodities, including fuel, food and fertilisers. With Indian nationals serving on vessels across the region, ensuring the safety of seafarers and protecting international shipping routes remain key priorities for India.