Indian Seafarer Killed in Attack Near Oman; 13 Rescued
A tragic incident near Oman results in the death of one Indian seafarer, with 13 others rescued following an attack on their vessel.
One Indian seafarer, Gandhar Nahim Ajij, was killed in an attack on the MSV AL JUSUFI.
The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating the repatriation of the survivors and the deceased's remains.
India has over 320,000 active seafarers, making it a major contributor to global maritime shipping.
On November 2, 2026, a commercial vessel named MSV AL JUSUFI was attacked near Limah, Oman, resulting in the death of one Indian seafarer and the rescue of 13 others. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the incident on November 3, expressing deep concern over the attack.
The deceased has been identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, stated that the vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object, leading to the tragic loss. The MEA has condemned the attack and called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the region, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
In a statement, the MEA noted that the Indian Embassy in Oman is actively monitoring the situation and is in touch with Omani authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the survivors and the remains of the deceased. The Ministry highlighted the importance of ensuring safe navigation and commerce in international waters, urging an end to attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure.
The incident underscores the risks faced by seafarers, particularly in volatile regions. India is a significant player in the maritime industry, with a large number of its nationals working on merchant vessels worldwide. The shipping ministry reported that there were over 320,000 active Indian seafarers as of 2025, reflecting the country's vital role in global shipping.
Looking ahead, the MEA's ongoing coordination with local authorities in Oman aims to ensure the swift return of the rescued crew members and the deceased's remains to their families. The Indian government continues to advocate for the safety of its citizens abroad, particularly in maritime contexts, as it seeks to prevent further incidents of this nature.
