MEA condemns attack on MV Cape Dao, calls for end to targeting of commercial shipping and restoration of safe navigation
New Delhi, Sept 2026 : One Indian seafarer was killed and 19 others were rescued after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao came under attack off the east coast of Oman on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, expressing concern over continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
The vessel was carrying 20 Indian seafarers when it was attacked while transiting towards India. The MEA said 19 crew members had been rescued, while one Indian national lost his life. The ministry conveyed its condolences to the family of the deceased and said the Indian Embassy in Muscat was coordinating with the Omani authorities for the safety and early repatriation of the rescued seafarers.
“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao earlier today off the east coast of Oman,” the MEA said in a statement, thanking the Omani authorities for their assistance in the rescue operation.
The ministry said the latest incident was deeply worrisome in view of the continuing attacks on commercial vessels operating in waters around the region. It reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and facilitate an early return to peace.
The MEA also stressed that commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. It called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways in the region.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat said it was closely monitoring the situation and remained in contact with Omani authorities regarding the safety of the crew. It also said it was coordinating with the Recruitment and Placement Services Licence (RPSL) agency and had established contact with the family of the deceased seafarer.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns for Indian seafarers operating in and around the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. India has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks involving commercial vessels, given the large number of Indian nationals employed in the global maritime sector.
Earlier this month, the MEA had condemned an attack on the Panama-flagged commercial vessel MT El Gaia off the coast of Oman. The ship was carrying 14 Indian seafarers, of whom 13 were rescued, while one remained missing. Search and rescue efforts were subsequently undertaken with the assistance of Omani authorities.
The El Gaia incident had prompted India to reiterate its call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. The government had also emphasised that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure were unacceptable.
The latest attack on MV Cape Dao has renewed concerns about the safety of merchant vessels and their crews navigating waters affected by regional tensions. India has sought cooperation from countries in the region to ensure the safety of its citizens working aboard commercial ships.
The MEA said the Indian Embassy in Oman would continue to coordinate with local authorities regarding the rescued crew and arrangements for their return to India.
The ministry reiterated that ensuring safe and unrestricted maritime movement remained essential for international commerce and regional stability.
