Indian seafarer killed in Oman torpedo attack: MV Cape Dao struck near Strait of Hormuz

Muscat: An Indian seafarer was killed on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack off the coast of Oman while en route to India. As reported by Gulf News, the vessel was struck by two torpedoes near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed the fatality and verified that 19 Indian nationals were among the ship's crew at the time of the strike. Omani maritime authorities and emergency response services immediately launched co-ordinated security operations to safeguard the 18 surviving crew members.

Identity of Deceased and Diplomatic Action

Following official verification, the Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) identified the deceased seafarer as Suraj Yadav, a wiper hailing from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Mission in Muscat expressed deep sadness over Yadav's death and confirmed that officials are actively liaising with his family. In a formal statement, the embassy affirmed it is closely monitoring the situation in close co-ordination with Omani authorities and the Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) agency to facilitate emergency assistance and ensure the welfare of the remaining crew.

Maritime Security and Union Demands

The lethal strike on MV Cape Dao comes amid the mounting security vulnerabilities for merchant shipping navigating crucial maritime corridors in the Middle East. Maritime trade unions and seafarer welfare organisations, including the FSUI, have demanded strict accountability and heightened international protection for civilian crews operating in high-risk transit zones. Indian diplomats remain in constant contact with maritime safety agencies as investigations into the origins and circumstances of the torpedo attack continue.