Indian seafarer Suraj Yadav was killed after two torpedoes struck the MV Cape Dao off Oman. The remaining 19 Indian crew members were safely evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman, while FSUI called for greater protection for merchant seafarers.
Two torpedoes hit the MV Cape Dao off the coast of Oman, killing Indian seafarer Suraj Yadav. While FSUI demanded more protection for merchant seafarers, the Royal Navy of Oman safely evacuated the remaining 19 Indian crew men.
Wiper Suraj Yadav, a native of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh died from a severe head injury sustained during the maritime strike on the Antigua and Barbuda flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao yeaterday. The vessel was traveling from Mina Saqr in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India via Omani waters when it was targeted.
Sources confirmed 28 total crew members on board, including 20 Indian nationals contracted through three Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs): Keyline Maritime Services, NavSukh Marine, and Caspia Shipmanagement. While Yadav was killed, the remaining 19 Indian crew members were safely evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman. Among the survivors, 4th Engineer Devraj sustained minor injuries.
The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) confirmed that two torpedoes struck the port side of the vessel. One missile hit the port-side C-deck accommodation section, housing crew living quarters, while the second struck the port-side hull near the engine room.
Following the emergency distress call, the Royal Navy of Oman dispatched rescue units to extract the surviving crew and transport them to a nearby ashore jetty. Reports from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) indicated two total casualties aboard the carrier.
Read more about the strike here.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack on the commercial vessel and extended deep condolences to Yadav's family. The Indian Embassy in Muscat is actively coordinating with Omani authorities and ship recruitment agencies to expedite the repatriation of the 19 surviving seafarers.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated that maritime authorities are working to bring Yadav’s body back to India with full dignity. The MEA characterized recurring attacks on commercial shipping across regional sea lanes as "deeply worrisome," urging an immediate halt to strikes on civilian infrastructure and calling for unimpeded navigation through international waterways via dialogue and diplomacy.
The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) voiced strong criticism over escalating security threats to civilian sailors stating that diplomatic assurances have proven ineffective at curbing violence near the Strait of Hormuz.
FSUI representative Manoj Yadav urged the Indian government to deploy Indian Navy escorts to protect merchant sailors operating in volatile Middle Eastern waters. The union demanded immediate accountability for Yadav's death, safe passage for all remaining crew in the region, and announced that seafarers will wear black ribbons on 25 September to protest the growing casualties.
Read more about the demands here.
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