One Indian sailor was killed and 13 others were rescued after an attack on a commercial vessel near Limah in Oman, India’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
The Indian-flagged vessel, MSV AL JUSUFI, was carrying 14 Indian nationals when it came under attack on Monday evening, the ministry said in a statement. Of the 14 on board, 13 have been rescued, while one Indian national died after sustaining injuries.
FAKTA: Indian Sailor Killed in Oman Ship Attack
- What happened: The Indian-flagged commercial vessel MSV AL JUSUFI was attacked near Limah, Oman, on Monday evening, 2 November 2026.
- Casualties: One Indian sailor was killed; the other 13 Indian nationals on board were rescued.
- The vessel: MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian crew members.
- How it was hit: India’s shipping minister said the vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman.
- Rescue: The 13 survivors were evacuated and rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.
- India’s response: New Delhi condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a diplomatic solution.
Indian Sailor Killed in Oman Ship Attack
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the incident on Tuesday, identifying the sailor who died as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, from the state of Gujarat. He said the vessel was struck by an unidentified aerial object on 2 November while navigating near the coast of Oman.
“While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries,” Sonowal said.
India Condemns the Attack
In its statement on Tuesday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and said the Indian Embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued Indian nationals and the mortal remains of the deceased sailor.
“We convey our deepest condolences on the precious life lost,” the ministry said.
New Delhi also expressed concern over continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region. “The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” the statement said.
A Pattern of Attacks on Shipping
The attack is the latest in a series of strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian crew members in waters off Oman and in the wider Gulf region in recent weeks. On 11 October, the tanker MT Petro Dolphin came under a drone attack at Sohar Anchorage in Oman, leaving two Indian seafarers missing, while nine others were rescued. India also condemned an attack on the vessel MT On Peace off the coast of Oman on 6 October.
India has repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of seafarers and freedom of navigation in the region, including at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted repeated attacks on civilian shipping.
What Remains Unknown
Officials have not identified who carried out the attack on the MSV AL JUSUFI or the exact nature of the projectile, beyond the shipping minister’s description of an unidentified aerial object. The incident remains under investigation, and Indian officials say they are working with Omani authorities to support the survivors and arrange repatriations.
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