In a tragic development amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, an Indian sailor was killed following an underwater drone attack on the US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu. The attack occurred near Basra, Iraq, on March 12, 2026, as the vessel was entering the Persian Gulf. Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also targeted another vessel, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the attack resulted in an explosion that damaged both tankers.
The Indian Embassy in Iraq confirmed the death of the Indian crew member and stated that a total of 38 crew members were rescued from the two ships. Among the rescued were 15 Indian sailors, all of whom were evacuated to safety. The embassy expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and stated that it was in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors to offer assistance.
As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated that it views such economic infrastructure, including oil tankers, as legitimate targets due to its association with the US and Israel. The attack underscores the increasing risks to commercial shipping in the region, as multiple incidents have been reported involving "unknown projectiles" targeting vessels.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the escalation of attacks on commercial ships and reiterated its concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by India have yielded some success, as Iran allowed an Indian crude vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without incident.
This incident marks another chapter in the intensifying conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, further destabilizing the vital shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with increasing concerns over the safety of maritime trade in the region
