An Indian sailor was killed off Oman and 13 other crew members were rescued after the Indian-flagged vessel MSV Al Jusufi was struck by an unidentified aerial object on Monday evening, 2 November 2026, according to statements by Indian authorities on Tuesday.

The vessel was carrying 14 Indian nationals and was navigating near Limah on Oman’s coast when it was hit. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the Omani Coast Guard rescued the 13 surviving crew members. The injured sailor later died.

01. What happened to MSV Al Jusufi off Oman?

MSV Al Jusufi, an Indian-flagged commercial vessel, was struck by an unidentified aerial object near the Omani coastline on 2 November. Authorities have not publicly identified the object or established who was responsible. The circumstances and responsibility for the incident remain under investigation or have not been publicly confirmed.

News reports identified the deceased sailor as Gandhar Nahim Ajij from Gujarat. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that one Indian national had died and that 13 of the 14 people aboard had been rescued.

02. Indian sailor killed off Oman: what authorities have said

The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Muscat was monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities. The immediate priorities include assistance for the rescued crew, arrangements for their early repatriation and the return of the deceased seafarer’s mortal remains.

Sonowal said the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Indian Embassy were in contact with local authorities to support the survivors and the deceased sailor’s family.

03. India condemns the incident and calls for safe navigation

India condemned the attack and described continuing incidents involving commercial shipping in the region as deeply concerning. The MEA called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and for negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution.

The ministry also said commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. It called for the earliest restoration of free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law.

04. Shipping security concerns in the Gulf of Oman

The incident has renewed concern about the risks faced by merchant vessels and civilian crews operating around the Gulf of Oman and wider West Asian waterways amid regional tensions. These routes are important to international trade and energy shipments, making the safety of seafarers a concern for governments and maritime operators.

For related reporting on maritime security incidents involving commercial vessels, see Newsy’s report on the Black Sea vessel attacks mentioned during Bulgaria’s presidential runoff. The incidents occurred in different regions and are not established to be connected.

05. MSV Al Jusufi incident: key facts

  • Vessel: Indian-flagged MSV Al Jusufi.
  • Location: Near Limah, off Oman’s coast.
  • Date: 2 November 2026, Monday evening.
  • People on board: 14 Indian nationals.
  • Rescued: 13 crew members by the Omani Coast Guard.
  • Fatality: One Indian seafarer died after sustaining injuries.
  • Object and responsibility: The object was described by the minister as unidentified; responsibility has not been publicly established.

06. Frequently asked questions

Was an Indian sailor killed off Oman?

Yes. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that one Indian national died after the Indian-flagged MSV Al Jusufi was struck near Oman’s coast on 2 November 2026.

How many crew members were rescued from MSV Al Jusufi?

The Omani Coast Guard rescued 13 crew members. There were 14 Indian nationals aboard the vessel.

Where was the ship MSV Al Jusufi hit?

The vessel was near Limah, off the coast of Oman, when it was struck.

Who was responsible for the strike on the ship?

Authorities have not publicly identified the object or established who was responsible. The incident should not be attributed to a person, group or state without verified information.

07. Sources