New Delhi: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through international shipping circles, an Indian crew member lost his life when a drone boat rammed into an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, sparking a fierce fire and explosion.
The attack, which unfolded on Sunday, has amplified concerns over the safety of vital maritime routes amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The vessel, MKD VYOM, flying the Marshall Islands flag, was sailing with a cargo load of approximately 59,463 metric tonnes when the unmanned boat struck it about 52 nautical miles northwest of Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Port. The collision targeted the engine room, igniting a blaze that proved fatal for one Indian national among the 21 crew on board.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported that the crew comprised 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis, and one Ukrainian. Swift rescue efforts, coordinated with a nearby Panamanian-flagged merchant ship, MV SAND, ensured the safe evacuation of the remaining 20 personnel. “All necessary measures are being taken to secure the area,” the centre stated, adding that a Royal Navy of Oman vessel has been dispatched to monitor the site and avert further risks. Warnings have been broadcast to passing ships to steer clear and remain vigilant.
This brazen assault underscores the vulnerabilities in the region’s busy sea lanes, where drone threats have become increasingly common. Industry experts fear it could disrupt global oil supplies, prompting calls for enhanced international patrols.