One Indian killed in boat attack off Oman; The Center condemns the attack

Image Courtesy: X/@FSUIINDIA

An Indian was killed in an attack on the vessel MV Cape Dao off Oman on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The vessel was reportedly sailing towards India.

The center condemned the attack and called for an end to the “targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region”. In a statement posted on social media, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We condemn today’s attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao off the east coast of Oman. Of the 20 Indian sailors on board, 19 were rescued while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life. Our deepest condolences to the family of the late Emman and our deepest condolences to the Omani authorities for proactive coordination with the Omani authorities for timely repatriation of Indian sailors We thank the Omani authorities for their support.

“Continued incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply disturbing. We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions and allow for the early return of peace to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end and free and undisturbed navigation and trade through international waterways in the region must be restored as soon as possible,” it added.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal identified the slain Indian national as Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh. The minister said Yadav succumbed to head injuries after the attack.

The vessel had 20 Indian sailors on board and all 19 surviving crew members have been safely evacuated by the Royal Oman Navy and are currently ashore, Mr. Sonowal said, adding that instructions have been issued to the maritime authorities to coordinate closely with the Omani authorities and the ship management company to ensure the immediate and safe repatriation of our surviving crew.

Heartfelt condolences to the family of young Indian seafarer Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on MV CAPE DAO (Antigua and Barbuda Flag Bulk Carrier) off the coast of Oman. The whole nation stands…

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 23, 2026

“My sincere condolences to the family of the young Indian sailor Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on the MV CAPE DAO (an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship) off the coast of Oman. The entire nation stands with his family in this hour of grief,” the minister said in a post on X.

The minister said the government would ensure that Yadav’s remains were brought home with full dignity and all possible support would be provided to his next of kin. The Indian Embassy in Oman had earlier said that an Indian citizen had been killed in an attack on the merchant ship MV Cape Dao as it sailed towards India.

Today, we are closely following the attack on the MV Cape Dao on its passage towards India and are in close coordination with the Omani authorities regarding the safety of the entire crew on board, including the 19 Indian nationals.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of an Indian national in…

— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) September 23, 2026

The embassy said it is closely monitoring the attack and is coordinating with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew members on board, including 19 Indian nationals.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said the vessel was attacked while it was sailing towards India. “Another Indian sailor killed. Wiper Suraj Yadav of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh is dead after MV Cape Dao was attacked today while sailing towards India. 28 crew on board, 20 of whom are Indian. Two torpedoes: Port C deck (accommodation). Port side hull (engine room means nothing. Damage and civil insurances). Hormuz demands immediate accountability, safe passage and justice for Suraj Yadav and every Indian sailor who is still at risk.

(With PTI inputs)

Another Indian sailor killed.
Wiper Suraj Yadav from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh is dead after the MV Cape Dao was attacked while sailing towards India today.
28 crew members on board, including 20 Indians.
Two torpedoes: • Port C-deck (accommodation) • Port hull (engine room)
Assurance… pic.twitter.com/AvrD2p1Cwd

— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) September 23, 2026

Published – 23 Sep 2026 21:44 IST