A cargo ship carrying 14 Indian nationals was struck by an unknown aerial object off the coast of Oman on November 2, 2026, killing one seafarer. The MSV Al Jusufi was sailing from Al Hamriya port in the UAE to Porbandar in Gujarat when it was hit.
Thirteen crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard. Indian Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed the attack and offered condolences for the deceased sailor from Gujarat.
India's Ministry of External Affairs said its embassy is monitoring the situation and working with Omani authorities to return the survivors and the mortal remains of the dead crew member.
India advises against deploying seafarers on Hormuz transits
India's Directorate General of Shipping has advised that Indian seafarers not be deployed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders, citing escalating security risks. The government described the strait as a prominent frontier in the Middle East conflict and noted that Indian seafarers have been frequent casualties of attacks on merchant ships.
At least 23 Indians, including 15 seafarers, have been killed since the West Asian conflict began in February, according to an October 2026 government brief. The latest death brings the total up from 22, which included 14 sailors.
New Delhi called for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution, renewing its demand for an end to attacks on commercial vessels and for safe navigation. The Ministry of External Affairs said the conflict has disrupted food, fuel, fertilizer and financial flows worldwide.
For shipowners and charterers, the crewing advisory removes Indian seafarers from Hormuz transits for now, narrowing crew supply on the strait. Brokers and underwriters should factor the restriction into voyage planning and war-risk assessments for the region.
Cover image: Ian Gratton from Sutton-n-Craven, North Yorkshire, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
