NEW DELHI: Amid escalating West Asia conflict with massive repercussions on regional security & civilian safety, an Indian seafarer was killed and 19 others were rescued after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack while transiting off the east coast of Oman towards India. The tragic incident prompted New Delhi to strongly condemn the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for an immediate restoration of safe and unimpeded navigation.
Our statement on the attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman ⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/gXzupV0MKT pic.twitter.com/GcrLw0FFmy
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 23, 2026
Seafarer Suraj Yadav succumbs to injuries
The deceased has been identified as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. According to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Yadav succumbed to head injuries sustained during the attack. “My heartfelt condolences to the family of young Indian seafarer, Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on MV CAPE DAO off the coast of Oman”, Minister Sonowal said in a post on X.
The minister said that the government would ensure that Yadav’s mortal remains are brought back to India with full dignity and that all possible assistance is extended to his family. The vessel was carrying 20 Indian seafarers, of whom 19 were rescued and brought ashore by the Royal Navy of Oman, according to the government.
Indian seafarer Suraj Yadav hailing from Deoria killed after two torpedoes struck MV Cape Dao off Oman, says Indian Seamen Association pic.twitter.com/CFqedMOYAC
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 23, 2026
MEA strongly condemns the attack, Calls for dialogue
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack and said that the 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,” the MEA said, conveying its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
The ministry said that the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities to facilitate the early repatriation of the rescued Indian seafarers. It also thanked the Omani authorities for their assistance.
New Delhi reiterated its call for “dialogue and diplomacy” to de-escalate tensions and facilitate an early return of peace in the region. “The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end”, the MEA said, stressing that free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways must be restored at the earliest.
Indian Embassy coordinates rescue and repatriation
The Indian Embassy in Oman said that it was in close contact with the Omani authorities regarding the safety of the crew and was monitoring the attack. “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 mission said.
The embassy also said that it was coordinating with the RPSL and was in touch with Yadav’s family following his death. Sonowal said maritime authorities had been directed to coordinate with the Omani authorities and the ship management company to ensure the immediate and safe repatriation of the surviving crew.
Seafarers face growing risk in conflict-ridden West Asia
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) claimed that the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, with one hitting the port-side C-deck accommodation area and another striking the port-side hull near the engine room. The claim could not be independently verified from the official statements cited above.
The incident comes amid heightened risks for commercial ships operating through strategic waterways of West Asia. India has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian seafarers, freedom of navigation and the unhindered movement of commercial vessels.
According to data provided by the MEA to Parliament, 10 Indian seafarers have been killed in the West Asia conflict. At the recent BRICS Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also proposed a ‘Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network’ aimed at strengthening safeguards for personnel working aboard commercial vessels amid growing risks in the key maritime chokepoints.
