An Indian seafarer has been killed after the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao was attacked off the coast of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on September 23.
The vessel was reportedly sailing toward India when it came under attack near Musandam Governorate, an area close to one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
Cape Dao Attacked Near Musandam
According to Omani authorities, the Cape Dao was targeted approximately 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km) off the coast of Musandam.
The attack caused a fire in the vessel’s engine room and left the ship in a dangerous condition. The Royal Navy of Oman responded to the incident and evacuated 27 crew members from the vessel. The rescued seafarers were taken ashore and provided with medical assistance.
Reports from maritime and Indian sources said the vessel was struck by two projectiles, with some reports describing them as torpedoes. The reported impacts were on the port side of the ship, including areas around the accommodation and engine room. However, no party has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
One Indian Seafarer Killed
The Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that one Indian national died in the attack.
The deceased seafarer was identified by the Forward Seamen’s Union of India as Suraj Yadav, a wiper from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. Indian authorities said they were coordinating with Omani authorities regarding the surviving crew and arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased seafarer’s remains.
The Cape Dao had 28 crew members on board. Indian government and media reports have differed slightly on the number of Indian nationals aboard, with the Indian Embassy referring to 19 Indian nationals among the crew and other reports citing 20.
India Condemns Attack on Commercial Shipping
India’s Ministry of External Affairs described the continuing attacks against commercial shipping in the region as “deeply worrisome.”
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was working with Omani authorities to monitor the situation and support the affected crew members.
The incident adds to growing security concerns for merchant ships and seafarers operating around the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial vessels remain exposed to regional security risks.
MV Cape Dao: Vessel Details
The MV Cape Dao is an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier, identified as IMO 9219020.
According to available vessel information, the ship was built in 2002 and is approximately 289 metres long, with a beam of around 45 metres and a gross tonnage of approximately 84,448.
The vessel was reportedly travelling from Mina Saqr in the UAE toward India when the incident occurred.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a High-Risk Area for Seafarers
For merchant seafarers, the incident highlights the risks faced by crews operating around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.
The Cape Dao attack resulted in the loss of one seafarer’s life, while 27 others had to be evacuated by an Omani naval vessel.
At the time of reporting, the responsibility for the attack had not been publicly established.
Maritime Tips will continue to follow developments surrounding the Cape Dao and the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
