2 hrs ago
Indian Seafarer Killed After MV Cape Dao Attack Near Oman
The ship MV Cape Dao was traveling toward India when it was attacked near Oman.
Reports said the ship was hit by an unknown projectile, while the Forward Seamen’s Union of India said two torpedoes struck it.
One Indian sailor, Suraj Yadav, died from his injuries.
He was from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh and worked as a wiper.
The ship had 28 crew members.
Reports differed on whether 19 or 20 of them were Indian.
The crew was taken safely to Oman, although one other Indian sailor had a minor injury.
India condemned the attack and called for safer sea travel and an end to attacks on commercial ships.
Suraj Yadav, an Indian seafarer from Uttar Pradesh, died after MV Cape Dao was attacked while sailing toward India.
The vessel carried 28 crew members; reports differed on whether 19 or 20 were Indian nationals.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India said two torpedoes struck the ship’s port-side accommodation and engine-room areas.
Nineteen Indian seafarers were reported rescued, while the remaining crew were evacuated safely to Oman; one survivor sustained a minor injury.
India condemned the attack, called for an end to strikes on commercial shipping, and urged dialogue, diplomacy and safe navigation.
- Who
- The MV Cape Dao crew, including Indian seafarers; the deceased was identified by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India as Suraj Yadav. Indian authorities, Omani authorities and the seafarers’ union responded.
- What
- MV Cape Dao was attacked, killing one Indian seafarer and injuring at least one other crew member.
- Where
- The vessel was attacked off Oman while transiting toward India, in or near the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
- When
- The attack occurred on September 23, 2026, according to the reports and official posts cited.
- Why
- The reports do not establish who carried out the attack or the motive. The Indian government said the continuing attacks on commercial shipping were deeply worrisome.
Authorities’ Response
Seafarers’ Union’s Demands
How the incident is characterized
Authorities’ Response
The Indian Embassy and Ministry of External Affairs described an attack on MV Cape Dao, while UK maritime officials referred to an unknown projectile striking a cargo vessel.
Seafarers’ Union’s Demands
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India said two torpedoes struck the ship’s port-side accommodation and hull near the engine room.
Response to the danger
Authorities’ Response
The MEA emphasized coordination with Oman, early repatriation of Indian seafarers, dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions.
Seafarers’ Union’s Demands
FSUI argued that assurances were insufficient and demanded immediate accountability, safe passage and justice for Suraj Yadav and other seafarers.
Number of Indian crew members
Authorities’ Response
The Indian Embassy and MEA cited 19 Indian nationals or seafarers aboard the vessel.
Seafarers’ Union’s Demands
FSUI and a maritime-administration report cited 20 Indian seafarers among the 28-person crew.
Key facts
- Vessel
- MV Cape Dao, described as an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier
- Crew
- 28 people were reported on board
- Indian seafarers
- Reports differed: the embassy and MEA cited 19, while FSUI and a maritime-administration report cited 20
- Fatality
- Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, died after suffering a head injury
- Rescue
- The crew was evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman; surviving crew members were reported safe at a jetty in Oman
- Attack details
- FSUI reported two torpedoes struck the port-side accommodation and hull near the engine room; UK maritime officials described an unknown projectile
- India’s response
- The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for dialogue, diplomacy and unimpeded navigation
Quotes
Forward Seamen’s Union of India
Union representing seafarers
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman. 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”
firstpost.com
“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.”
firstpost.com
indianexpress.com
wionews.com







