Indian sailor killed as two torpedoes hit merchant ship off Oman

On Wednesday, an Indian sailor named Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh was killed when the merchant ship MV Cape Dao was attacked by two torpedoes off the coast of Oman. The incident, which occurred 4.6km off Musandam, an Omani exclave bordering the UAE, resulted in a fire in the engine room and the death of one crew member. The attack left 27 crew members rescued and received medical treatment, all of whom were Indian.

Oman's Maritime Security Centre confirmed the loss, expressing deep sorrow over the death of one of its citizens. The ship, flying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda, had 28 crew members on board. Despite Iran and the US not claiming responsibility, the Forward Seamen's Union of India appealed for an escort from Indian vessels, highlighting the ongoing danger faced by sailors in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the start of the Iran war in February, at least 23 sailors have been killed in similar attacks, according to the International Maritime Organisation. Ships have also faced attacks by Iranian forces during a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and by Houthi rebels in Yemen.