Oil Tanker Attacked by Unmanned Vessel Near Oman, One Dead

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Muscat: An Indian crew member was killed after an oil tanker was struck by an unmanned surface vessel (USV) off the coast of Oman, triggering a fire and explosion in the ship’s engine room, authorities confirmed.

According to Oman’s Maritime Security Centre, the incident occurred approximately 52 nautical miles northwest of Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat Governorate on Saturday, March 1.

The tanker, identified as MKD VYOM and flagged to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was carrying an estimated 59,463 metric tonnes of cargo at the time of the attack. Officials said the unmanned vessel struck the ship, causing a fire and explosion in the main engine room.

One crew member of Indian nationality died in the incident. The vessel had 21 crew members on board, including 16 Indians, four Bangladeshis and one Ukrainian. All surviving crew members were evacuated safely in coordination with the Maritime Security Centre.

The rescue was carried out by the commercial vessel MV SAND, sailing under the flag of Panama. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy of Oman deployed a vessel to monitor the damaged tanker and issue navigational warnings to ships transiting the area.

Authorities have not officially attributed responsibility for the attack.

The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased security concerns in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit route. Iran has previously warned vessels operating near the strategic waterway as hostilities in the region intensify following US and Israeli airstrikes.

Maritime security agencies continue to monitor the situation as investigations into the attack are underway.