Indian sailor killed as two torpedoes hit merchant ship off Oman

An Indian sailor tragically lost his life when his merchant ship was targeted by two torpedoes off the coast of Oman on Wednesday. The MV Cape Dao, carrying 28 crew members, was sailing under the Antigua and Barbuda flag at the time of the attack. The incident, which resulted in a fire in the engine room, occurred 4.6km off Musandam, an Omani exclave that borders the United Arab Emirates.

Oman's Maritime Security Centre confirmed that 27 crew members were rescued and received medical treatment, while one sailor tragically perished. The Indian embassy in Muscat expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of its citizens, revealing that 19 of the crew were Indian nationals. The Royal Navy of Oman, working in coordination with authorities, conducted an evacuation operation for the crew, successfully rescuing 27 individuals.

The Forward Seamen's Union of India identified the deceased sailor as Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh and criticized the ongoing violence in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, where Indian sailors have been "slaughtered in silence." Since the Iran war began in February, at least 23 sailors have been killed, according to the International Maritime Organisation.

Ships have faced attacks by Iranian forces during a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil trade between Iran and Gulf states. The United States military has also attacked ships during two separate blockades of Iranian ports under former President Donald Trump. In addition to the attacks from Iran, Houthi rebels in Yemen have also targeted vessels in the Arabian Peninsula.