India condemns attack on MV Cape Dao off Oman as one Indian seafarer killed

NEW DELHI/MUSCAT, Sept 23: India has condemned the attack on the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged merchant vessel MV Cape Dao off Oman, saying continued attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome” and calling for an immediate end to attacks on ships, seafarers and civilian infrastructure.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said 20 Indian seafarers were aboard the vessel, of whom 19 were rescued while one Indian seafarer was killed in the incident.

“The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome,” the ministry said, reiterating its call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable an early return of peace to the region.

India also called for the targeting of commercial shipping, seafarers and civilian infrastructure to end, and for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region to be restored at the earliest.

Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said a Royal Navy of Oman vessel carried out an evacuation operation after the Cape Dao was targeted about 2.5 nautical miles off the Governorate of Musandam.

According to the Omani authority, 27 crew members were evacuated and provided with necessary medical care. The attack caused a fire in the vessel’s engine room and resulted in the death of one crew member.

The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of commercial shipping and freedom of navigation in waters around the Arabian Peninsula amid heightened regional tensions.