An Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, was killed after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao was attacked off the east coast of Oman, with 19 other Indian crew members rescued, according to government statements. The attack, which occurred while the ship was en route to India, resulted in Yadav sustaining fatal head injuries, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said. The vessel, flagged under Antigua and Barbuda, had 20 Indian seafarers on board, with the surviving crew evacuated by the Royal Navy of Oman and brought ashore.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the attack, calling it 'deeply worrisome' and reiterating its call for an end to attacks on commercial shipping. The MEA confirmed that 19 Indian seafarers had been rescued, while one Indian national tragically lost his life. The ministry said its embassy in Oman was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for the early repatriation of the rescued crew. It also thanked the Omani authorities for their support.

The Indian embassy in Oman stated it was in close coordination with Omani authorities regarding the safety of the crew, including the 19 Indian nationals on board. The embassy expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said it was in touch with the family of the deceased. The MEA reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and enable early return of peace to the region.

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) reported that the ship was struck by two torpedoes, one hitting the port side C-deck where the crew's living quarters are located, and the other striking the port side hull near the engine room. The vessel had 28 crew members on board, of whom 20 were Indian nationals. This figure differs from the 19 Indian nationals mentioned by the Indian Embassy in Oman. The FSUI said assurances of safety for seafarers in the region meant nothing in light of the attack, stating that 'innocent civilian seafarers are being slaughtered in and around Hormuz.' The organisation has demanded immediate accountability over the incident, along with safe passage for seafarers travelling through the region and justice for Yadav and 'every Indian seafarer still at risk.'

The government has ordered maritime authorities to coordinate with Omani authorities and the ship management company to ensure the safe repatriation of the surviving crew members. Sonowal said the government would ensure that the mortal remains of Suraj Yadav are brought home with full dignity and provide all possible support to his next of kin. India has consistently called for safe and free navigation in international waters and the unhindered flow of commerce through international waterways.

The exact method of the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unknown. While the MEA and the Indian embassy in Oman have confirmed the attack and the casualties, the FSUI's account of the attack differs in terms of the number of crew members and the nature of the assault.