Indian Sailor Killed in Attack on Cargo Ship Near Oman Coast

A 26-year-old Indian sailor tragically lost his life in an attack on the cargo ship MSV Al Jusufi near Oman. The incident has raised the death toll of Indian nationals in the ongoing West Asia conflict to 23. While 13 other crew members were rescued, the Indian government has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in the region and called for immediate diplomatic efforts to restore peace. This incident underscores the growing threats to maritime safety and the need for urgent action to protect sailors and commercial vessels in international waters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 13:36 IST

Tragic Incident Claims Life of Indian Sailor

In a distressing incident off the coast of Oman, a 26-year-old Indian sailor from Gujarat lost his life following an attack on a cargo ship flying the Indian flag. The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Naim Aziz. Fortunately, the Oman Coast Guard successfully rescued the other 13 Indian crew members aboard the vessel. This tragic event has raised the total number of Indian fatalities in the ongoing conflict in West Asia to 23, including 15 sailors.

Reports indicate that the cargo ship, MSV Al Jusufi, was navigating near the Omani coast when it was struck by an unidentified aerial object around 4 PM on Monday. The ship had a total of 14 Indian sailors on board. The Union Minister for Shipping, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the incident, stating that the crew had to abandon the ship following the attack. While 13 sailors were rescued, Gandhar Naim Aziz sustained severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal. The minister expressed profound sorrow over this loss.

Sharing updates on social media, the minister noted that while the other Indian sailors were safely rescued, the tragic death of Gandhar Naim Aziz due to his injuries was deeply saddening. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack near the Limah coast and extended condolences to the family of the deceased sailor.

The Ministry's statement highlighted the alarming trend of commercial vessels being targeted in the region. India has once again urged all parties involved to de-escalate tensions immediately. It emphasized the need for diplomatic dialogue to restore peace and stability in West Asia, advocating for a resolution through negotiation rather than military confrontation.

Furthermore, the Ministry stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must cease immediately. It is crucial to restore the freedom of navigation and trade along international maritime routes without hindrance. India underscored the importance of ensuring safe and unobstructed passage for vessels in accordance with international law, as threats to these maritime routes could adversely affect not only the economies of the involved nations but also global trade and energy supplies.

According to a report from the Directorate General of Shipping, all 14 sailors abandoned the ship using lifeboats to save their lives after the attack. During the rescue operation, 13 sailors were successfully evacuated. However, Gandhar Naim Aziz, who was critically injured, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital at the Khasab port in Oman. The report noted that the deceased hailed from the Salaya area in the Devbhoomi Dwarka district of Gujarat.

The MSV Al Jusufi had set sail from Hamriyah Port in the United Arab Emirates at 10:11 AM on October 31, heading towards Porbandar in Gujarat. The attack occurred while the ship was proceeding along its designated maritime route near the Omani coast. The nature of the attack and the object used remain unidentified.

Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in Oman has initiated coordination with local authorities to ensure the swift return of all rescued Indian sailors. Additionally, efforts are underway to repatriate the body of Gandhar Naim Aziz with the assistance of relevant officials. The Indian government is in contact with the Omani administration regarding this matter.

Concerns regarding the safety of Indian nationals have been escalating since the onset of the conflict in West Asia in February, which began following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. This has led to increased tensions in the region, with several incidents of commercial vessels being targeted. To date, 23 Indian nationals have lost their lives in this conflict, including 15 sailors, with reports of others missing following attacks on their vessels.

India is home to one of the largest populations of maritime sailors globally, with over 320,000 sailors employed, ranking second only to the Philippines. More than 18,000 Indian sailors are currently deployed on various vessels in the West Asian maritime region. Consequently, the rising military tensions and attacks on commercial ships pose significant challenges to the safety of Indian sailors.

India has reiterated that the safety of civilians and commercial vessels on international maritime routes must be paramount. The recent incident near the Omani coast has once again highlighted the broader implications of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the threats facing maritime trade. The Indian government's priorities include ensuring the safe return of affected sailors, repatriating the deceased's body, and advancing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.