An Indian crew member has died after a tanker was hit during an attack in waters off Oman, highlighting rising security concerns for commercial vessels operating near key Middle East shipping lanes.
The incident involved the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MKD Vyom, which was sailing in the Gulf of Oman when it was struck by a projectile launched from an explosive-laden unmanned surface craft. The impact triggered an onboard explosion and fire.
The seafarer who lost his life had been working in the engine room when the blast occurred. The fatality has been reported as the first known death of an Indian mariner connected to the ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Iran.
The attack took place as tensions have increased across maritime routes close to the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway and nearby sea lanes are widely used by tankers carrying crude oil and other energy cargoes.
Another tanker, Skylight, also faced an incident on the same day near Khasab Port on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. The vessel was sailing about 5 nautical miles north of the port when it was reportedly targeted.
A total of 20 seafarers were onboard Skylight, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian nationals. All crew members were reported safe following the event.
