An Indian was killed in an attack on vessel MV Cape Dao off Oman on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The vessel was reportedly sailing towards India.

The Centre condemned the attack, calling for the end of “targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region”. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement posted on social media, said: “We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman. Of the 20 Indian seafarers on board, 19 have been rescued, while 1 Indian national tragically lost his life. We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities for early repatriation of the Indian seafarers. We thank the Omani authorities for their support.”

“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 targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region must be restored at the earliest,” the statement added.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal identified the killed Indian national as Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh. The Minister said that Yadav succumbed to head injuries after the attack.

The vessel had had 20 Indian seafarers on board, and all 19 surviving crew members have been safely evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman and are currently ashore, Mr. Sonowal said, adding that directions have been issued to maritime authorities to coordinate closely with Omani authorities and the ship management company to ensure the immediate and safe repatriation of our surviving crew.

My heartfelt condolences to the family of young Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on M.V. CAPE DAO (Antigua & Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier) off the coast of Oman. The entire nation stands…— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) September 23, 2026

My heartfelt condolences to the family of young Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on M.V. CAPE DAO (Antigua & Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier) off the coast of Oman. The entire nation stands…

“My heartfelt condolences to the family of young Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, who tragically succumbed to head injuries following a missile attack on M.V. CAPE DAO (Antigua & Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier) off the coast of Oman. The entire nation stands with his family in this hour of grief,” the Minister said in a post on X.

The Minister said that the government will ensure that the mortal remains of Yadav are brought home with full dignity, and every possible support is extended to his next of kin. The Indian Embassy in Oman too earlier said that an Indian national was killed in an attack on merchant vessel MV Cape Dao while it was transiting towards India.

We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals. We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in…— India in Oman (Embassy of India, Muscat) (@Indemb_Muscat) September 23, 2026

We are closely monitoring the attack on MV Cape Dao today while transiting toward India, and are in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew on board, including 19 Indian nationals. We are deeply saddened by the loss of one Indian national in…

The Embassy said it was closely monitoring the attack and was in coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of all crew members on board, including 19 Indian nationals.

The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said that the vessel was attacked while it was sailing towards India. “Another Indian seafarer killed. Wiper Suraj Yadav of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, is dead after MV Cape Dao was attacked today while sailing toward India. 28 crew on board, 20 of them Indian. Two torpedoes: Port side C-deck (accommodation). Port side hull (engine room). Assurances mean nothing. Innocent civilian seafarers are being slaughtered in and around Hormuz. FSUI demands immediate accountability, safe passage, and justice for Suraj Yadav and every Indian seafarer still at risk.

Another Indian seafarer killed.Wiper Suraj Yadav of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, is dead after MV Cape Dao was attacked today while sailing toward India.28 crew on board, 20 of them Indian.Two torpedoes: • Port side C-deck (accommodation) • Port side hull (engine room)Assurances… pic.twitter.com/AvrD2p1Cwd— FSUI (@FSUIINDIA) September 23, 2026

Another Indian seafarer killed.Wiper Suraj Yadav of Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, is dead after MV Cape Dao was attacked today while sailing toward India.28 crew on board, 20 of them Indian.Two torpedoes: • Port side C-deck (accommodation) • Port side hull (engine room)Assurances… pic.twitter.com/AvrD2p1Cwd