Indian Sailor Suraj Yadav Killed in Attack on MV Cape Dao Near Oman
Indian sailor Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh was killed after the MV Cape Dao came under attack near Oman while sailing toward India. Nineteen surviving Indian crew members were safely evacuated.
Dharshini
An Indian sailor was killed after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack while sailing toward India off the coast of Oman.
The deceased sailor was identified as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, Yadav suffered head injuries during the attack and later succumbed to his injuries. Union Minister for Ports and Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolences and said the government would ensure that Yadav’s mortal remains are brought back to India with dignity.
The vessel had 28 crew members on board. The Indian Embassy in Muscat said 19 Indian nationals were among the crew and that the surviving Indian crew members had been safely evacuated with assistance from Omani authorities. Some reports, citing the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI), put the number of Indian crew members at 20, so the exact crew breakdown remains subject to clarification.
There are differing accounts regarding the weapon used in the attack. FSUI reported that the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, while Indian government-related reporting described the incident as a missile attack. The details of the attack remain under investigation.
The Indian government has expressed concern over continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region and called for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Authorities are also coordinating with Omani officials and the ship management company regarding the surviving crew and the repatriation of the deceased sailor.
