3 Indian seafarers onboard foreign-flagged vessels killed in Iranian attacks near Oman

The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman. (Representative picture)

• Three Indian seafarers killed in Iranian strikes near Oman coast
• Indian Embassy coordinating support and repatriation for victims
• Quick response team set up for Indian seafarers' safety in region

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At least three Indian seafarers have been killed and one person was injured after Iranian strikes hit multiple merchant vessels operating off the coast of Oman.

The incidents mark a serious escalation in maritime insecurity in the region, raising fresh concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working in West Asian waters.

According to the Directorate General of Shipping, there have been four incidents in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas involving Indian seafarers.

On Monday, an Indian national was killed after an explosives-laden unmanned boat struck the oil tanker MV MKD Vyom off the coast of Oman’s Muscat Governorate, approximately 52 nautical miles from Muscat.

According to Oman’s Ministry of Defence, a drone struck the vessel, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, approximately 52 nautical miles from Muscat. The strike caused a fire and explosion in the vessel’s engine room, resulting in the death of one crew member.

The Indian Embassy in Oman acknowledged the casualty and stated it was coordinating with local authorities to facilitate arrangements for those affected, including repatriation procedures, “The Embassy of India expresses its deepest condolences on the tragic demise of an Indian national on board MKD Vyom," it said.

In another attack on Sunday, Palau-flagged oil tanker, Skylight, was attacked around 5 nautical miles off Oman’s Khasab Port.

According to a report in ABP, while two Indian nationals serving aboard the tanker were killed,  three other Indian crew members sustained injuries. The vessel was reportedly carrying a mixed crew that included Indian and Iranian seafarers at the time of the strike.

As per reports, of the 21 crew members on the Skylight, 16 were Indian citizens, four Bangladeshi nationals, and one Ukrainian national. Authorities rescued the remaining crew with the help of another ship.

The Directorate General of Shipping, in a statement, said it is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas in light of recent regional and geopolitical developments, where reported threats have included missile and drone activity, electronic interference, and other maritime security concerns.

The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving maritime security situation in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman and adjoining sea areas in light of recent regional and geopolitical developments, where reported threats have included missile… pic.twitter.com/qRgjzeNwdh

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2026

"As per the latest reports, there have been no confirmed instances of casualty, detention, or boarding involving Indian-flagged vessels. Monitoring and verification efforts remain ongoing, and Indian-flagged vessels continue to operate in the region," said the shipping authority.

The Directorate General of Shipping has constituted a quick response team to carry out immediate response, evacuation coordination, and support function to Indian seafarers stranded in and around the Persian Gulf region.

"The team will coordinate closely with the office of the Director Seamen's Employment Office (DSEO), RPSL Companies, Families, Shipping companies, trade unions, Indian Missions abroad, concerned port authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely communication, assistance, and safe evacuation of Indian seafarers impacted by the prevailing situation," said the statement.

Tensions continued to escalate across West Asia with multiple strikes reported in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. US and Israel conducted airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities on February 28, targeting military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure.

In response, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further widening the conflict in the Middle East.