Maritime Attack – Indian Sailor From Karnataka Safe After Oman Coast Vessel Strike
Maritime Attack – A sailor from Karnataka has safely reached Oman after being rescued following an attack on a commercial cargo vessel near the Omani coast. Authorities continue efforts to trace one missing Indian crew member while assisting those affected by the incident.
A 25-year-old sailor from Bantwal near Mangaluru is among the 10 Indian nationals rescued after a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel was struck during an attack near the coast of Oman on Sunday. According to information shared by the Union Ministry of External Affairs, 11 Indian citizens were serving on board the ship. While 10 have been rescued, one Indian crew member remains unaccounted for. The rescued sailor is currently staying in Oman under the care and supervision of the shipping company’s officials until formal procedures for repatriation are completed.
Rescue Operation Continues for Missing Crew Member
The vessel, identified as GFS Galaxy, was reportedly on its way to a port in the United Arab Emirates when it came under attack. The rescued sailor said one crew member suffered serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment, while another, who sustained relatively minor injuries, has already been discharged from hospital. Company representatives have assured the crew that arrangements will be made for their return to India after the required documentation and official formalities are completed.
Crew Forced to Leave the Damaged Vessel
Describing the incident, the sailor said the attack occurred at approximately 2 a.m. on Sunday, causing a fire inside the ship’s engine room. The vessel had a total of 24 crew members on board. In the immediate aftermath, two sailors could not be located. One injured crew member was evacuated from the engine room, while search efforts began for the second missing individual. With the ship no longer considered safe, the crew evacuated and boarded a lifeboat before abandoning the vessel.
Emergency Preparedness Could Not Prevent the Shock
The sailor explained that the crew had been aware of heightened security risks because the surrounding waters had been classified as a conflict zone. As a result, they had received training and remained prepared for possible emergencies, including aerial or drone-related threats. However, he admitted that the crew never expected their own ship to become a target.
He recalled that the vessel was close to land when the strike occurred, estimating that it was only about one kilometre away. The crew could already see a nearby island before the projectile hit, making the sudden attack even more unexpected.
Oman Navy Responded to Distress Call
After abandoning the vessel, the crew contacted the Oman Navy for assistance. Rescue teams responded promptly, bringing the survivors safely to an Omani naval facility. The Indian Embassy in Oman has been working closely with local authorities throughout the rescue effort and is coordinating support for the affected Indian nationals as the search for the missing crew member continues.
Family Relieved After Confirming His Safety
The rescued sailor has been employed by the shipping company for the past three years. He completed his graduation at Vivekananda College in Puttur before undergoing professional marine training in Mumbai and beginning his career at sea.
His family members had been deeply concerned because of the escalating security situation across the Middle East. According to his brother, the sailor had previously shared updates about the growing anxiety among crew members while travelling through the region. The family expressed relief after learning that he had been rescued safely and said they now hope he will return home to India soon once all official procedures are completed.