One Indian national was killed after the vessel MV Cape Dao came under attack while transiting towards India, the Indian Embassy in Oman said on Wednesday.
The embassy said it was coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure the safety of the crew aboard the vessel, which it said included 19 Indian nationals. The mission also remained in contact with the relevant Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies and the family of the deceased.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) identified the deceased as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh. The union said the vessel was carrying 28 crew members, including 20 Indians, a figure that differs from the 19 Indian nationals cited by the embassy.
According to the FSUI, MV Cape Dao was struck by two torpedoes. The union said one hit the port side of the C-deck accommodation area, while the other struck the port side hull near the engine room. The vessel was travelling towards India after departing Mina Saqr.
The crew was evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman, with surviving crew members reported safe ashore. Reports said another Indian crew member suffered a minor injury in the incident.
The FSUI expressed concern over the safety of civilian seafarers operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz and called for accountability, safe passage for vessels and justice for Yadav and other Indian seafarers facing risks in the region.
The Indian Embassy said it was continuing to monitor the situation and working with Omani authorities on the safety of those aboard the vessel.
