One Indian sailor was killed after an Indian-flagged cargo vessel carrying 14 crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman on Monday, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.&nbsp;The vessel, identified as MSV AL JUSUFI, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while sailing near the Omani coast. Thirteen crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, while one sailor later died from his injuries.&nbsp;Sonowal identified the deceased as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who hailed from Gujarat.&nbsp;The Indian embassy in Oman is working with local authorities to assist the 13 surviving crew members. Arrangements are also being made to bring them back to India and repatriate the deceased sailor's mortal remains.&nbsp;In a post on X, Sonowal said, “The Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman.”&nbsp;“The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and the mortal remains of our deceased seafarer,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-held-in-spirit-halloween-shooting-that-killed-pregnant-woman-wounded-six-1793684729320">Teen held in California Spirit Halloween shooting that killed pregnant woman, wounded six</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE ⚠️

On Nov 2, the Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman.

While 13 crew members safely evacuated and were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, I am deeply saddened to report that one of our seafarers, Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat, tragically succumbed to his injuries. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this hour of immense grief.

The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and mortal remains of our deceased seafarer.&mdash; Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://x.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/2117465940392894483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>MEA calls for end to attacks on commercial ships</h3>&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia.&nbsp;In a statement, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Oman was coordinating with local authorities to bring back the rescued crew members and repatriate the deceased sailor's mortal remains.&nbsp;Expressing concern over repeated attacks on commercial vessels, the ministry called for a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;"The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution," the statement said.&nbsp;The MEA also stressed that commercial ships and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and called for the restoration of free and unimpeded navigation through international waterways.&nbsp;"The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest," it added.<h2>Attacks on commercial ships raise concerns</h2>The incident comes amid a rise in attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28.&nbsp;According to Iran’s maritime authority, nearly 170 seafarers have been killed, injured or are missing during eight months of war in the Middle East Gulf.&nbsp;India is among the world's largest contributors of sailors to merchant shipping. According to the shipping ministry, the country had more than 320,000 active seafarers in 2025.

An Indian sailor from Gujarat was killed after an unidentified aerial object struck the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI off Oman's coast, while 13 other crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.

One Indian sailor was killed after an Indian-flagged cargo vessel carrying 14 crew members came under attack off the coast of Oman on Monday, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. The vessel, identified as MSV AL JUSUFI, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while sailing near the Omani coast. Thirteen crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard, while one sailor later died from his injuries. Sonowal identified the deceased as Gandhar Nahim Ajij, who hailed from Gujarat. The Indian embassy in Oman is working with local authorities to assist the 13 surviving crew members. Arrangements are also being made to bring them back to India and repatriate the deceased sailor's mortal remains. In a post on X, Sonowal said, “The Indian MSV AL JUSUFI, carrying 14 Indian seafarers, was struck by an unidentified aerial object while navigating near the coast of Oman.” “The Ministry and Indian Embassy in Oman are in contact with local authorities to ensure immediate assistance for the 13 survivors and facilitate the swift repatriation of both the surviving crew and the mortal remains of our deceased seafarer,” he added. Also Read: Teen held in California Spirit Halloween shooting that killed pregnant woman, wounded six

An Indian sailor from Gujarat was killed after an unidentified aerial object struck the Indian-flagged vessel MSV AL JUSUFI off Oman's coast, while 13 other crew members were rescued by the Omani Coast Guard.

Indian sailor killed after cargo ship 'Al Jusufi' attacked off Oman coast; MEA calls for de-escalation, free navigation

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned an attack on one of its commercial vessels that sank in the Red Sea off Yemen on Tuesday, describing the incident as an unprovoked strike on a defenceless ship and that repeated assaults on commercial shipping in the region must end.&nbsp;The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.&nbsp;“India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel,” he stated.&nbsp;“The safety of our people is our supreme priority &amp; I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161">Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</a>&nbsp;India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued,” the MEA said in a statement.&nbsp;“Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-pakistan-ex-us-general-says-pak-qatar-compromised-mediators-1785852825375">Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators</a>&nbsp;The ministry added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply worrisome.”&nbsp;“The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said.&nbsp;Sonowal said he had instructed the Director General of Maritime Administration to take immediate steps with all agencies “to ensure the absolute security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-crackdown-on-digital-arrest-scams-setting-up-of-panel-1785857834849">Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel</a>&nbsp;The incident marks the first such attack on an Indian vessel (mechanized small vessel) in the Red Sea off Yemen, an area far from the Strait of Hormuz but long plagued by threats linked to Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for global trade between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, has grown increasingly concerned for commercial shipping. Any disruption there forces vessels onto the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up insurance premiums, voyage times and overall costs for operators and consumers alike.

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned an attack on one of its commercial vessels that sank in the Red Sea off Yemen on Tuesday, describing the incident as an unprovoked strike on a defenceless ship and that repeated assaults on commercial shipping in the region must end. The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. “India strongly condemns this unprovoked attack on the defenseless mechanised sailing vessel,” he stated. “The safety of our people is our supreme priority & I am relieved to inform that ALL 14 seafarers (including 13 Indians) have been safely rescued by the Yemeni Coast Guard and brought to the Port of Mokha.” Also Read: Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad. “We condemn the attack on the Indian flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya that sank in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yemen on August 4, 2026. All 13 Indian nationals have been rescued,” the MEA said in a statement. “Our Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Yemeni authorities for the safety and security of the crew. We thank the Yemeni authorities for their support.” Also Read: Did Trump snub Pakistan? Ex-US General says Pak and Qatar ‘compromised’ mediators The ministry added that the continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping were “deeply worrisome.” “The targeting of commercial shipping in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest,” it said. Sonowal said he had instructed the Director General of Maritime Administration to take immediate steps with all agencies “to ensure the absolute security of Indian seafarers in the region and provide all necessary assistance to the rescued crew.” Also Read: Supreme Court orders crackdown on digital arrest scams, setting up of panel The incident marks the first such attack on an Indian vessel (mechanized small vessel) in the Red Sea off Yemen, an area far from the Strait of Hormuz but long plagued by threats linked to Houthis. The Red Sea corridor, a vital artery for global trade between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, has grown increasingly concerned for commercial shipping. Any disruption there forces vessels onto the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, driving up insurance premiums, voyage times and overall costs for operators and consumers alike.

The mechanised sailing vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya was hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters, causing it to capsize and sink, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the sinking and the rescue of the 13 Indian nationals abroad.

Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued

India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the 11th India International Regatta, a sailing event in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Sonowal, who had earlier served as India's Sports minister, highlighted the efforts being undertaken by the Indian government to promote the Olympic sport at the city port. Chennai Port’s marine ecosystem, traffic coordination, safety oversight, and structured water access are enabling a week-long international regatta, he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The regatta is being conducted in the Chennai Port waters and Marina Beach frontage, with the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA). The event is organised under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) and the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) and is part of the ASAF Cup 2025–26 series.&nbsp;"The regatta demonstrates how port infrastructure serves national outcomes beyond cargo—by supporting international sport, public engagement with the sea, and coastal city identity. The event also creates a real-world learning window for students into maritime domains such as navigation, marine safety, seamanship, weather reading, and ocean awareness in an authentic sea-facing setting," Sonowal said.&nbsp;The week-long championship supports Chennai’s visibility in sports tourism and international youth exchanges while showcasing the city’s coastline and maritime culture to visiting teams and followers. 117 registered youth sailors from 13 nations are participating in this event.&nbsp;As an Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) Cup regatta, the championship strengthens India’s presence on the Asian sailing calendar and deepens competitive exposure for young athletes.&nbsp;Further, the minister provided government funding for the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for imparting Sailing training to 20 students of the Chennai Port School. Founded in 1911, the RMYC, situated within the Chennai Port, has stood as a proud emblem of India's maritime heritage. One of the oldest yacht clubs in the country, it is among the pioneers in nurturing seamanship and competitive sailing.&nbsp;&nbsp;The RMYC is on a mission to make sailing accessible to all, breaking the myth that it is a sport only for the elite. The Club actively collaborates with schools, NCC, CRPF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and youth organisations, encouraging participation from students across socio-economic backgrounds. Royal Madras Yacht Club has been training underprivileged students from government schools over the last year, which has enabled young talent from less fortunate backgrounds to take part in prestigious events such as the India International Regatta and the Indian Navy's FOTNA Cup.&nbsp;Addressing an event of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Sonowal mentioned, "Our port capacity has more than doubled in the last 10 years, our vessel turnaround time reduced by 50%, our inland cargo transport grew by over 700%, our seafarers grew by almost 200%, our coastal cargo movement doubled during the last decade. Our cruise tourism grew by a massive 400%, today 9 of our major ports rank in the top 100 ports of the world, and we are better than advanced maritime nations in various key port performance indicators." He also inaugurated several infrastructure enhancement projects at the Chennai Port and the Kamarajar Port in the city.

The week-long championship supports Chennai’s visibility in sports tourism and international youth exchanges while showcasing the city’s coastline and maritime culture to visiting teams and followers. 117 registered youth sailors from 13 nations are participating in this event.

India’s Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the 11th India International Regatta, a sailing event in the Southern Indian city of Chennai. Sonowal, who had earlier served as India's Sports minister, highlighted the efforts being undertaken by the Indian government to promote the Olympic sport at the city port. Chennai Port’s marine ecosystem, traffic coordination, safety oversight, and structured water access are enabling a week-long international regatta, he said. The regatta is being conducted in the Chennai Port waters and Marina Beach frontage, with the Tamil Nadu Sailing Association (TNSA). The event is organised under the aegis of the Yachting Association of India (YAI) and the Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) and is part of the ASAF Cup 2025–26 series. "The regatta demonstrates how port infrastructure serves national outcomes beyond cargo—by supporting international sport, public engagement with the sea, and coastal city identity. The event also creates a real-world learning window for students into maritime domains such as navigation, marine safety, seamanship, weather reading, and ocean awareness in an authentic sea-facing setting," Sonowal said. The week-long championship supports Chennai’s visibility in sports tourism and international youth exchanges while showcasing the city’s coastline and maritime culture to visiting teams and followers. 117 registered youth sailors from 13 nations are participating in this event. As an Asian Sailing Federation (ASAF) Cup regatta, the championship strengthens India’s presence on the Asian sailing calendar and deepens competitive exposure for young athletes. Further, the minister provided government funding for the Royal Madras Yacht Club (RMYC) for imparting Sailing training to 20 students of the Chennai Port School. Founded in 1911, the RMYC, situated within the Chennai Port, has stood as a proud emblem of India's maritime heritage. One of the oldest yacht clubs in the country, it is among the pioneers in nurturing seamanship and competitive sailing. The RMYC is on a mission to make sailing accessible to all, breaking the myth that it is a sport only for the elite. The Club actively collaborates with schools, NCC, CRPF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and youth organisations, encouraging participation from students across socio-economic backgrounds. Royal Madras Yacht Club has been training underprivileged students from government schools over the last year, which has enabled young talent from less fortunate backgrounds to take part in prestigious events such as the India International Regatta and the Indian Navy's FOTNA Cup. Addressing an event of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Sonowal mentioned, "Our port capacity has more than doubled in the last 10 years, our vessel turnaround time reduced by 50%, our inland cargo transport grew by over 700%, our seafarers grew by almost 200%, our coastal cargo movement doubled during the last decade. Our cruise tourism grew by a massive 400%, today 9 of our major ports rank in the top 100 ports of the world, and we are better than advanced maritime nations in various key port performance indicators." He also inaugurated several infrastructure enhancement projects at the Chennai Port and the Kamarajar Port in the city.

The week-long championship supports Chennai’s visibility in sports tourism and international youth exchanges while showcasing the city’s coastline and maritime culture to visiting teams and followers. 117 registered youth sailors from 13 nations are participating in this event.

Indian govt making efforts to promote sailing, an Olympic sport: Shipping Minister

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Indian sailor killed after cargo ship 'Al Jusufi' attacked off Oman coast; MEA calls for de-escalation, free navigation

Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued

Indian govt promoting sailing, an Olympic sport: Shipping Minister Sonowal