Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Indian Seafarer Killed in MV Cape Dao Attack Near Oman
The ship MV Cape Dao was traveling toward India when it was attacked near Oman.
One Indian sailor, Suraj Yadav, died after being hurt.
The ship had 28 crew members.
India’s government said 20 Indian sailors were aboard and 19 were rescued.
The Indian Embassy referred to 19 Indian nationals when describing the crew’s safety.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India said two torpedoes hit the ship.
A United Kingdom maritime agency described the cause as an unknown projectile, so the details of the attack remain disputed.
India condemned the attack and asked countries to use diplomacy and keep shipping routes safe.
One Indian seafarer was killed after MV Cape Dao was attacked while sailing toward India off Oman.
The Ministry of External Affairs said 19 of the vessel’s 20 Indian seafarers were rescued.
The ship carried 28 crew members, although some reports and the embassy referred to 19 Indian nationals aboard.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the deceased as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
India condemned attacks on commercial shipping and called for diplomacy, safe navigation and accountability.
- Who
- The crew of MV Cape Dao, including Indian seafarers; the deceased was identified as Suraj Yadav. Indian authorities, Omani authorities and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India responded.
- What
- MV Cape Dao was attacked, killing one Indian seafarer and injuring at least one other crew member.
- When
- The attack occurred on September 23, 2026, according to the reports.
- Where
- The vessel was attacked off Oman while transiting toward India, in or near the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman.
- Why
- The reports do not establish who carried out the attack or the motive.
Official and Maritime Accounts
Seafarers’ Union Account
Description of the attack
Official and Maritime Accounts
The Indian Embassy and Ministry of External Affairs confirmed an attack but did not identify the weapon or attacker. A United Kingdom maritime agency described an unknown projectile striking a cargo vessel.
Seafarers’ Union Account
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India said two torpedoes struck the vessel’s port-side accommodation and hull near the engine room.
Number of Indian seafarers
Official and Maritime Accounts
The Ministry of External Affairs said 20 Indian seafarers were aboard, while the Indian Embassy referred to 19 Indian nationals in its safety update.
Seafarers’ Union Account
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India and a maritime-administration report cited 20 Indian seafarers among the 28-person crew.
Response to the danger
Official and Maritime Accounts
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized coordination with Oman, repatriation of survivors, dialogue and diplomacy to reduce regional tensions.
Seafarers’ Union Account
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India demanded immediate accountability, safe passage and justice for Suraj Yadav and other seafarers.
- Vessel
- MV Cape Dao, described as an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier.
- Crew size
- Reports said 28 crew members were aboard.
- Indian crew
- The Ministry of External Affairs said 20 Indian seafarers were aboard and 19 were rescued; the embassy referred to 19 Indian nationals.
- Fatality
- Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, died after suffering a head injury.
- Rescue
- The surviving crew were evacuated safely to Oman; one Indian seafarer was reported to have a minor injury.
- Attack description
- The Forward Seamen’s Union of India reported two torpedoes striking the port-side accommodation and engine-room areas, while a United Kingdom maritime agency reported an unknown projectile.
- India’s response
- The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for dialogue, diplomacy, safe navigation and an end to attacks on commercial shipping.
Sources
Indian seafarer killed as two torpedoes hit MV Cape Dao near Oman, MEA condemns strike
Indian sailor killed as MV Cape Dao ship comes under attack in Gulf of Oman
MV Cape Dao Attacked Off Oman Coast While Sailing To India, One Indian National Killed; Embassy Confirms
Indian seafarer kiled after torpedoes hits vessel near Strait of Hormuz
India Condemns Attack on Vessel off Oman; One Indian Seafarer Killed, 19 Rescued