An Indian national has reportedly been killed after an oil tanker linked to the United States came under attack near Iraq amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, according to sources.
The vessel, ‘Safe Sea Vishnu’, an oil tanker flying the Marshall Islands flag and owned by a US-based company, was targeted near the Khor Al Zubair port in Iraqi territorial waters. Reports suggest the tanker was struck by an explosive-laden suicide boat, allegedly launched by Iran.
Sources said the small boat rammed into the tanker, triggering a powerful blast. In the incident, one Indian crew member lost his life, though his identity has not yet been officially disclosed.
The tanker was carrying 27 other crew members and staff, who were safely evacuated after the attack. They were later transported to Basra in Iraq, where authorities are assessing the situation.
The development has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by Indian seafarers amid rising maritime tensions in the region. Indians make up more than 15% of the global merchant navy workforce, meaning any attack on commercial vessels can directly put Indian lives at risk.
The incident occurred close to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route through which 20–30% of the world’s crude oil supply passes. Any escalation in the region has the potential to disrupt global energy supplies and impact fuel prices worldwide, including in India.
Security experts say attacks involving suicide boats — small explosive-laden vessels used to ram into ships — pose a serious threat to commercial shipping operating in conflict zones.
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