ONE INDIAN SAILOR KILLED, 13 RESCUED AFTER ATTACK ON COMMERCIAL VESSEL OFF OMAN

November 3, 2026

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 3: One Indian sailor was killed and 13 others were rescued after a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals came under attack near Oman's Limah coast on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.

The vessel, identified as MSV AL JUSUFI, was attacked off the Omani coast. The Omani Coast Guard rescued 13 crew members following the incident, while one Indian seafarer, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, succumbed to his injuries.

Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed grief over the death and extended his condolences to the deceased sailor's family. He said the ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman were coordinating with local authorities to provide immediate assistance to the survivors and arrange the repatriation of the rescued crew members and the deceased sailor's mortal remains.

In a statement, the MEA expressed concern over continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region and reiterated India's call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions. It also urged the parties involved to conclude ongoing negotiations and pursue a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability.

The ministry further stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must end, while freedom of navigation and uninterrupted maritime commerce through international waterways must be restored in accordance with international law.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and Indian seafarers operating in the strategically important waters surrounding the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.