Indian Seafarer Killed in Missile Attack on Bulk Carrier MV Cape Dao Off Oman Coast

An Indian seafarer was killed and 19 others were rescued following a missile attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao off the east coast of Oman on Wednesday. The vessel, which was transiting towards India, was struck during the voyage, resulting in fatal head injuries to a crew member from Uttar Pradesh.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal identified the deceased crew member as wiper Suraj Yadav, a native of Deoria in Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that 20 Indian nationals were among the crew on board the commercial vessel when the strike occurred, prompting an immediate rescue operation by the Royal Navy of Oman.

All 19 surviving Indian seafarers were safely evacuated from the damaged bulk carrier by the Royal Navy of Oman and brought ashore. The Indian Embassy in Oman deployed diplomatic personnel to coordinate closely with local Omani authorities, maritime regulators, and the ship management company to ensure the physical safety and prompt repatriation of the surviving crew.

Union Minister Sonowal stated that maritime authorities had received formal directives to facilitate the immediate return of the remaining crew members. The government also announced arrangements to transport the mortal remains of Suraj Yadav back to India with full dignity, providing administrative support to his bereaved family.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a formal condemnation of the attack, describing ongoing hostilities against commercial shipping lanes and civilian infrastructure in the region as deeply worrisome. The Indian government reiterated its diplomatic stance calling for immediate de-escalation, dialogue, and the restoration of unimpeded navigation through international waterways.

Maritime labour representatives also voiced grave concern over the safety of civilian crews transiting through high-risk waters. The Forward Seamen Union of India demanded heightened accountability and secure passage for merchant mariners operating in international commercial corridors.

From November 2023 to October 2025, more than 100 separate Houthi attacks on commercial vessels affected over 60 nations.

The Indian Embassy in Muscat is maintaining continuous contact with the designated recruitment and placement service licensee and local authorities to expedite paperwork for repatriating the surviving seafarers. Official coordination remains underway to finalize flight arrangements for the repatriation of Suraj Yadav's mortal remains to his home district in Uttar Pradesh.