The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier **MV Cape Dao** came under attack Wednesday as it transited toward India, resulting in the death of an Indian seaman, the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed. The incident occurred off Oman’s Musandam governorate, roughly 2.5 nautical miles from Musandam, near the Strait of Hormuz.
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## Attack and Casualties
Maritime authorities reported that the MV Cape Dao was struck by two torpedoes—one in the port side of the C-deck accommodation area and another in the port side hull near the engine room. The impact triggered a fire in its engine room.
Out of the 28 crew members on board, 27 were safely evacuated and received medical attention; one crewmate, identified as **Suraj Yadav**, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to injuries sustained in the strike.
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## Indian Officials Respond
The Indian Embassy in Muscat issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life, saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in this attack.” The embassy also said it was coordinating with Omani authorities to ensure the safety of all crew members onboard, including 19 Indian nationals.
In addition, the Indian mission is working with the **Recruitment and Placement of Seafarers License (RPSL)** agency and has established contact with the deceased’s family to provide support.
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## Oman’s Role
Oman’s **Maritime Security Centre** confirmed that the Royal Navy of Oman carried out an evacuation of all 27 crew members. Once aboard safety, they were given the necessary medical care. The agency said the vessel was attacked approximately 25 nautical miles off Musandam Governorate.
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## Reactions and Broader Concerns
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack. It welcomed Oman’s assistance and reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions in the region. The MEA also emphasised that repeated assaults on commercial vessels and civilian seafarers are deeply concerning and urged a restoration of free navigation and commerce at sea.
The **Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI)** identified the slain sailor as Suraj Yadav. The union stressed that he was a civilian and not a combatant, highlighting the risks faced by seafarers in and around critical maritime zones such as the Strait of Hormuz. It called for immediate accountability and safe passage for all seafarers.
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## Strategic Implications
This attack comes amid rising volatility in major sea lanes in the Middle East. Undersea infrastructure and commercial shipping near straits and coasts like those in Oman have been repeatedly exposed to dangers, from drone attacks to missile strikes. The incident underscores international concern over maritime security as well as the urgent need for coordinated action.
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## What Is Known So Far
– The attack was carried out while MV Cape Dao was sailing toward India, in the Gulf of Oman, off the coast of Musandam Governorate.
– It involved two torpedoes striking different parts of the ship, triggering a fire in the engine room.
– There were reportedly 28 crew members aboard; 27 were rescued. Among them, 19 were Indians, following Indian Embassy figures.
– The deceased, Suraj Yadav, worked as a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
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While the precise perpetrators remain unidentified, no nation or group has publicly claimed responsibility. The incident emphasizes growing threats to civilian vessels and underscores India’s concern for its nationals serving at sea.
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