The MV Cape Dao attack near Oman killed Indian seafarer Suraj Yadav while the vessel was sailing toward India. Indian officials are coordinating with Omani authorities, while maritime monitors reported the ship on fire and adrift after the crew was evacuated.
An Indian seafarer was killed after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao came under attack near Oman on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, while sailing toward India. The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was coordinating with Omani authorities over the safety of the crew and confirmed the death of one Indian national.
The embassy referred to 19 Indian nationals in its statement. Separately, the Forward Seamen’s Union of India said the vessel carried 28 crew members, including 20 Indians. The discrepancy between the publicly reported figures had not been clarified.
Suraj Yadav identified by seafarers’ union
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the deceased as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh. The union said the vessel was struck twice on its port side, with impacts near the accommodation deck and the hull close to the engine room.
The union described the strikes as torpedo attacks and called for accountability, safe passage and stronger protection for civilian seafarers operating in the region. Authorities had not publicly identified who was responsible for the attack.
Crew evacuated as vessel burns
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz area was hit by an unknown projectile. It reported that the vessel was on fire and adrift, all crew members had been evacuated and two casualties were recorded.
The maritime agency's description did not confirm the union's claim that two torpedoes struck the vessel, leaving the exact weapon used unconfirmed in official maritime reporting.
India and Oman coordinate response
The Indian mission said it was working with the relevant Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers agency and remained in contact with the family of the deceased. Authorities were also coordinating over the safety and return of surviving crew members.
The attack underscores the risks facing commercial vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz, a major international shipping corridor. Further information is expected as maritime authorities and Indian and Omani officials assess the attack, the vessel's condition and arrangements for the affected crew.
