An Indian citizen was killed after an unmanned boat laden with explosives collided with an oil tanker off the coast of Muscat Governorate in the Gulf of Oman.
"The Maritime Security Centre reported that the oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked by an unmanned boat 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate," PTI quoted Oman's Ministry of Defence as saying in a statement.
The attack triggered a fire and an explosion in the tanker’s engine room, resulting in the death of one crew member. The remaining 21 crew members were safely evacuated. While the ministry did not disclose the deceased’s nationality, local reports indicated that the victim was an Indian crew member.
The rescued crew consisted of 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis, and one Ukrainian.
Indian embassy expresses anguish
The Indian embassy in Oman has expressed deep pain over the demise of the Indian national in an attack on the oil tanker.
“The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national on board MKD Vyom. The Embassy is in close coordination with the local authorities in Oman to facilitate the safe and early repatriation of our nationals on board the vessel. We remain committed to extending all possible assistance in this matter,” the X post read.
4 injured after oil tanker attacked in Strait of Hormuz
Earlier on Sunday, a tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving four crew members injured. The vessel, named MV Skylight, was targeted in the incident, which comes a day after another oil tanker faced a similar attack in the strategic waterway.
According to Oman’s state news agency, the injured sailors are from India and Iran. Authorities in Oman have launched search operations to locate missing crew members from the ship.
The Embassy of India in Oman confirmed that it is in constant contact with local officials.
"We are also coordinating with officials in Oman for the repatriation of the crew members who have been rescued from MV Skylight and will continue to render all possible assistance in the matter," the Embassy of India in Oman said in a post on X.
The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most crucial passages for oil shipments, making incidents in the region particularly concerning for international trade.
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