Sailor killed as India-flagged cargo ship comes under attack near Oman

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said India-flagged MSV Al Jusufi was struck by an "unidentified aerial object" on Monday while navigating waters near the Omani coastline. The sailor who died was a resident of Gujarat.Attacks on India-flagged ships amid the US-Iran war are rare. (Reuters/Representational)An Indian sailor was killed after an India-flagged cargo vessel came under attack off the coast of Oman. The ship, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the Omani coast, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.The vessel, identified as MSV Al Jusufi, was struck on Monday, the minister said. Thirteen crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. However, one sailor, identified as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, succumbed to his injuries.In a post on X, Sonowal said he was "deeply saddened" by the death and extended his condolences to the sailor's family."The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer," he said.This is a developing story. It will be updated. - Ends