Muscat: An Indian sailor was killed after a cargo ship was attacked near the coast of Oman, authorities said on Tuesday. The sailor, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, was onboard the Indian cargo ship MSV Al JusuFi when it came under attack. Thirteen other crew members survived and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the incident took place on November 2, when the ship was struck by an "unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman." The vessel was carrying 14 Indian seafarers and was sailing from UAE's Hamriyah Port toward Porbandar in Gujarat when an explosive drone or missile hit it. Sonowal expressed condolences and said the ministry and the Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of the crew and the mortal remains of the deceased seafarer.

The attack comes amid the ongoing Middle East war, which has seen regular attacks on cargo vessels and ships. The Ministry of External Affairs said last week that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have been killed during the conflict. "We remain deeply concerned about the situation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, adding that 22 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the conflict zone.

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