An Indian seafarer, identified as Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, was killed after a missile attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao off the east coast of Oman, while all 19 other Indian crew members were safely evacuated, the government said on Wednesday.Yadav succumbed to head injuries sustained in the attack, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said. The vessel had 20 Indian seafarers on board, with the surviving crew evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman and brought ashore.Sonowal said directions had been issued to maritime authorities to coordinate with Omani authorities and the ship management company for the immediate and safe repatriation of the surviving Indian crew.“The government will ensure that the mortal remains of Suraj Yadav are brought home with full dignity, and every possible support is extended to his next of kin,” Sonowal said.
India condemns attack
The ministry of external affairs condemned the attack and said continuing incidents targeting commercial shipping in the region were “deeply worrisome”.“Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 have been rescued, while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” the MEA said.The ministry said its embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the Indian seafarers. It also thanked the Omani authorities for their support.“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman,” the MEA said.It called for an end to attacks targeting commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region. India also reiterated its call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways.“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace to the region,” the MEA said.
Embassy coordinating with Oman
The Indian embassy in Oman said it was in close coordination with Omani authorities over the safety of the crew and was monitoring the situation.“We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals,” the embassy said in a post on X.The mission also expressed condolences to the family of the Indian seafarer who was killed.“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in this attack. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The Mission is coordinating with the RPSL and is in touch with the family of the deceased,” it added.The MEA said the embassy was proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the Indian seafarers.
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Government orders repatriation
Sonowal said maritime authorities had been directed to work closely with Omani authorities and the ship management company to ensure the surviving crew members return home safely.He also offered condolences to Yadav’s family and said the government would provide all possible support to his next of kin.India has consistently called for safe and free navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways.
✍️ Vikrant Kharwar
Vikrant Kharwar is the Founder and Editor of News Us Media. He writes about trending news, sports, entertainment, technology, and viral stories. His goal is to make news simple, informative, and easy to understand for readers across the United States and around the world.
