One Indian Killed, 13 Rescued After Vessel Hit by Unidentified Object Off Oman Coast

November 3, 2026

New Delhi: An Indian sailor was killed and 13 other crew members were rescued after an unidentified aerial object struck an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman. A total of 14 Indian sailors were on board, Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Tuesday.

Sonowal stated in a post on the social media platform X that the ship, MSV AL JUSUFI, was passing near the coast of Oman on Monday when it was hit by an unidentified aerial object. Following the incident, 13 crew members managed to eject safely and were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard.

The deceased sailor has been identified as Nahim Aziz of Gandhar, Gujarat.

Sonowal expresses condolences, extends condolences to the family

Sonowal stated that on November 2, the Indian ship MSV AL JUSUFI carrying 14 Indian sailors was hit by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman. Gandhar Nahim Aziz, who was injured in the accident, succumbed to his injuries, while the remaining 13 sailors were rescued safely.

The Minister expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased sailor. He stated that the Ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities. The aim is to provide immediate assistance to the 13 surviving sailors and to arrange for the early repatriation of the deceased’s body along with all the remaining sailors to India.

Ships attacked in the Persian Gulf before

This incident comes at a time when reports of attacks on commercial ships and sailors in the Persian Gulf and other maritime regions of West Asia are continuing.

Earlier on October 30, the Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier M/T Al Mayeda was attacked by a projectile in the Persian Gulf. The ship was carrying a total of 25 crew members, including six Indian sailors.

Sonowal had informed on X on Saturday that all six Indian nationals and the remaining crew members were safe after the attack.

Jaishankar raised the issue of safety of civilian ships

Earlier, during the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had expressed concern over the continued attacks on civilian ships and sailors. He stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation on maritime routes.

In his message shared on X, Jaishankar said that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is disproportionately affecting countries in the Global South. Attacks on civilian ships and sailors could impact the availability and prices of fuel, food, and fertilizers.

The latest incident off the coast of Oman has once again raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors operating in the conflict-affected waters in West Asia.