Indian crew member killed in Iranian 'suicide' boat attack on US oil tanker near Iraq

The Embassy of India in Baghdad has confirmed the death of an Indian national following a brazen attack on a US-owned oil tanker. The vessel, Safesea Vishnu, was reportedly struck by an Iranian "suicide" boat on March 11, 2026, while operating near the Iraqi coast.

The Embassy released an official statement on X expressing deep condolences, "On March 11, 2026, a US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place."

The Safesea Vishnu, a 228-meter-long crude oil tanker, was targeted off the Khor Al Zubair port within Iraq’s territorial waters. Sources report that the strike involved an explosive-laden "suicide" boat, a tactic that has sent alarm bells through the global shipping industry.

While one life was tragically lost, the remaining crew members—including 15 Indians, were successfully rescued by authorities and moved to a secure location in Basra.

The Indian Embassy is in constant contact with Iraqi officials and the rescued sailors to provide all necessary assistance and coordinate the repatriation of the deceased.