An Indian crew member has been killed in an attack by Iran using a “suicide” boat against a US oil tanker near Iraq. The US-owned Marshal Island-flagged oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was targeted near the port of Khor Al Zubair. One person was killed and the rest of the Indian crew was evacuated to a safe place.
Up to 38 crew members were rescued, and the search is on for others.
In a statement, the Indian Embassy in Iraq said: “On March 11, 2026, the Marshall Islands-flagged US oil tanker Safesea Vishnu was attacked near Basra, Iraq, in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew members have since been evacuated to safety.”
It further added that the embassy is in regular contact with the Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors.
The embassy said: “The Embassy of India, Baghdad is in regular contact with the Iraqi authorities and the rescued Indian sailors and is offering all possible assistance. The embassy offers its deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased crew member.”
According to Vessel Finder, the 228.6 meter long and 32.57 meter wide Safesea Vishnu is an oil tanker built in 2007 and currently flying the flag of the Marshall Islands.
The fatal attack comes as the crisis in West Asia enters its 13th day today, March 12.
In response to the worsening security situation, oil terminals in Iraqi ports suspended operations on Thursday after a series of attacks on tankers near their waters.
Iraq reacts to the attack
Hours after the attack on the Safesea Vishnu oil tanker, Iraq’s Ministry of Oil expressed deep concern over incidents involving oil tankers in the Persian Gulf region.
The ministry said: “The safety of navigation in international maritime corridors and energy supply routes must remain free of regional conflicts.”
Earlier, the Indian government condemned the attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. India also reiterated the need to avoid attacks on merchant vessels and actions that endanger the lives of crew members.
The Mayuree Naree, a Thai-flagged cargo ship, was bound for Kandla in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “We have seen reports of an attack on the Thai ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The ship was bound for Kandla, India.”
“India condemns the fact that commercial shipping is becoming the target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Precious lives, including Indian citizens, have already been lost in many such attacks in the earlier phase of this conflict, and the intensity and lethality of the attacks seem to be only increasing,” the Indian government said.
