Muscat: An Indian national was killed after an attack on the merchant vessel MV Cape Dao while it was transiting towards India, the Indian Embassy in Oman has confirmed.

The Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier was attacked on Wednesday off the east coast of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Forward Seamen's Union of India, the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, hitting the port side accommodation deck and the engine room. Oman's Maritime Security Centre said the attack caused a fire in the engine room and the death of one crew member, while 27 others were evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman.

The deceased has been identified as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, according to the FSUI. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said Yadav succumbed to head injuries following the attack. Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 were rescued.

The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack, stating: "The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace to the region." The Indian Embassy said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for the safety of all crew members and the early repatriation of the surviving seafarers.

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