Muscat: An Indian sailor was killed after a commercial vessel carrying 14 Indian nationals came under attack near the coast of Oman on Monday, 2 November. The remaining 13 crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
The deceased sailor was identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, India. The vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was flying the Indian flag when the incident occurred near Limah, Oman.
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that one Indian national died after sustaining injuries in the attack. The other 13 crew members were rescued and are receiving assistance from the authorities.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessel had been struck by an unidentified aerial object. However, the type of weapon used and the identity of those responsible have not been established.
Sonowal said the Indian government was working with the Indian Embassy in Oman and local authorities to provide assistance to the rescued sailors. Arrangements were also being made for the repatriation of the survivors and the remains of the deceased sailor.
India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the attack and expressed concern over the continuing threats to commercial shipping in the region. The ministry said the Indian Embassy in Oman was coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure the necessary assistance for the crew.
India called for an immediate reduction in tensions in West Asia and urged all parties to pursue a diplomatic solution to the regional crisis. It also stressed the need to protect commercial vessels and ensure the safety of seafarers working in international waters.
The ministry called for the restoration of safe and unrestricted navigation through international waterways, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted maritime trade.
The attack has added to concerns about the safety of commercial vessels operating around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world's most important shipping routes, particularly for the transportation of oil and other essential goods.
Commercial shipping in the region has faced repeated security incidents since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.
In June, three seafarers died following an attack on the oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman. The International Maritime Organization expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on commercial shipping and their impact on civilian crews.
In another incident in September, an Indian sailor was killed following an attack on the vessel MV Cape Dao. Nineteen of the 20 Indian crew members aboard were rescued.
The repeated attacks have raised concerns in India, which has a large number of citizens working in the international maritime industry. Indian seafarers serve on commercial vessels operating across major international shipping routes, including those passing through the Gulf region.
India has repeatedly called for the protection of civilian shipping and the safety of its nationals working at sea. The latest incident has further highlighted the risks faced by seafarers in waters affected by regional tensions.
The circumstances surrounding the attack on MSV Al Jusufi remain unclear. No individual, government or organisation has publicly been identified as responsible for the incident.