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

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.

Our statement on attack on a commercial vessel off the coast of Oman ⬇️ 🔗 https://t.co/AhtSyD77kl https://t.co/ExpNZGVy9V

“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.

⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ⚠️ On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman. 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. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief. The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer.

“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.