Indian seafarer killed in attack on ship near Oman; 13 others rescued: MEA
Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
One Indian was killed after an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah in Oman, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (November 3, 2026).
13 other Indian nationals on board the MSV AL JUSUFI have been rescued after the incident on Monday (November 2, 2026), the Ministry said in a statement.
The deceased seafarer was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, according to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.
Condemning the incident, the MEA called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution in West Asia.
The Ministry, in its statement, stated that the Indian Embassy in Oman is “closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities” for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased.
“The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it added in a post on X.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Sonowal said the vessel was struck by an “unidentified aerial object” and also confirmed that the tanker had 14 Indian seafarers on board when it was attacked.
“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,” he said in a statement on social media.
Mr. Sonowal added that his Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of the deceased seafarer.
India is one of the largest contributors of sailors to merchant shipping worldwide, with more than 3,20,000 active seafarers in 2025, according to the shipping ministry.
With inputs from Reuters, ANI
Published – November 03, 2026 01:02 pm IST
Source: www.thehindu.com